Results 2011

On Sunday, 17^th July last, the annual Martin Duggan Memorial Swim was held on the Blackwater River at Fermoy. Despite unfavourable conditions, forty-two swimmers took part in this two kilometre freshwater race.

Of the forty-two swimmers, twenty wore wetsuits and a further twenty-two swam in their skin. Twenty-four of the forty-two swimmers were under the age of eighteen, making this the first ever competitive open-water swim in the Republic of Ireland where more than half of the participants were under eighteen, a far cry from the stereotypical image of the sport. There were twelve swimmers from New Zealand taking part in the race, also. The boys from Auckland Grammar School and their coach Graham Beaumont were on a tour of Ireland and the UK following their successful English Channel relay in early July.

The swim started ahead of time at three minutes to three in the afternoon. The fastest twenty started first, followed shortly by the remaining twenty-two swimmers. The first swimmer home was Freddie Bassett of Laser Mount Eden SC, Auckland, who finished in a time of 25:59.6. The Martin Duggan Memorial Shield for the Youngest Swimmer was awarded to Ruth Herlihy of Fermoy SC, who completed the two kilometre course, sans-wetsuit, aged just twelve years and sixty-seven days. Thanks to the Duggan Family for donating the prize.

The organisers would like to say a special thanks to Fermoy Rowing Club, Blackwater Sub-Aqua Club and Phoenix Kayak Club. Without the input of these three clubs, the event simply could not be held. We would also like to thanks Noel McCarthy, Carry Out off-license, who sponsored all of the cold drinks on the day. Huge thanks must also go to Jackie Power, our event referee, all of our timekeepers, turn judges, spotters and other volunteers who gave generously of their time. On behalf of the swimmers, we would like to thank all of those who slavishly made hundreds of sandwiches, baked and prepared teas and coffees for the afters of the swim. A final thanks to Fermoy Camera Club who documented the entire day for us, and provided the photo-finishes.

Full results can be seen here. Hopefully, we will have better weather and a few more spectators next year!

Directions to the swim...

From Cork:

1. Take M8 motorway for DUBLIN Baile Átha Cliath.

2. Once through the toll (€1.90 for a car), take Exit 15 (signposted R639 FERMOY Mainistir Fhear Maí).

3. At the roundabout, take the 1st exit (signposted FERMOYMainistir Fhear Maí).

4. Once you come into the town, go straight through the crossroads at the traffic lights.

5. Take left lane onto Pearse Square (town centre) and then left again onto Ashe Quay (just before the bridge).

6. The Grand Hotel should be on your left and the Blackwater River should be on your right.

7. Take the first available parking space and walk the last 100m to the Rowing Club.


From Dublin:

1. Take M8 motorway for CORK Corcaigh.

2. Go past Exit 13 for MITCHELSTOWN Baile Mhistéala, take Exit 14(signposted R639 FERMOY Mainistir Fhear Maí).

3. At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit (signposted FERMOYMainistir Fhear Maí).

4. Go across the motorway and take the 1st exit off the roundabout (signposted FERMOY Mainistir Fhear Maí).

5. Halfway across the bridge in the town centre, signal right and turn onto Ashe Quay.

6. The Grand Hotel should be on your left and the Blackwater River should be on your right.

7. Take the first available parking space and walk the last 100m to the Rowing Club.


*Note: It's a Sunday so parking is free, as far as I know.

I would also strongly suggest car pooling as there will most likely be few spaces.

Reminder of Entry Requirements for 2011

I would just like to remind everyone of the entry requirements for all participants for this year's swim.

Firstly, you must be aged twelve years or older on the day of the swim to be eligible to enter. If you will be younger than eighteen years on the day of the swim and have entered online then you will need to complete the Parental Consent Form (available here) and return it ASAP. I would also like to stress the need for all participants, young and old, to be well prepared before getting into the water!

Also, because the swim is being insured by Swim Ireland, it is necessary that all participants are listed as "competitive" members of a Swim Ireland affiliated club. If you are unsure as to your membership status, please check with your club.

An exception to that rule, of course, applies to swimmers travelling from outside of Swim Ireland's jurisdiction. Such swimmers must be members of any club affiliated to the governing body of their country. For example, a swimmer travelling from England or Wales must be a member of the ASA in order to enter. When entering, these swimmers should enter the name of their governing body in place of the Swim Ireland number and enter their club name as they would normally do.

If anybody who wants to swim and is not a member of Swim Ireland, they can purchase summer membership if Sandycove Island Swim Club from Ned Denison at a cost of €15.00 for the season. Ned's e-mail address is ned.denison@corkopenwater.com for anyone that may need to contact him on this issue.

Unfortunately, membership of Triathlon Ireland does not cover you for the swim.

If anyone has any questions about the entry requirements or any other aspect of the swim please do not hesitate to contact me using any of the details below...

Entry Fees for 2011 Swim:

Entries for this year's swim will open on the ActiveGlobal website at midnight on Monday, 2nd May. The entry fees for this year's swim are as follows:

From 2nd May until 3rd July:     €15.00 for Under 18s;     €25.00 for 18s and over.

From 4th July until 14th July:     €25.00 for Under 18s;     €35.00 for 18s and over.

Provisional Date for 2011 swim:

After much discussion, the provisional date for next year's swim has been set for Sunday, 17th July. Traditionally, the swim has always been held in early June. Unfortunately, this year, due to my Leaving Certificate Exams, the Irish Age Groups Division 2 Gala in U.L., the Fermoy Regatta and the Irish LC Youth/Senior Championships in the N.A.C., the only remaining date is the 17th of July. Hopefully, this will allow the water to heat up a bit more and should allow you to get a bit more training in before-hand.

Important notice regarding Entry Requirements for 2011

In order to comply with new Swim Ireland regulations, we have had to make it compulsory for all swimmers to be members of Swim Ireland before entering for the swim. If you are already a competitive member of any Swim Ireland affiliated club, in any aquatic discipline, this does not affect you.

In order to become a member of Swim Ireland, you need to join any swimming, diving, water-polo, masters, synchro or open-water club which is affiliated to Swim Ireland, for most of you, it may be easiest for you to join the new Sandycove Island Swim Club. Contact Ned Denison at ned.denison@corkopenwater.com if you are interested in joining.

Many of you may be members of Swim Ireland but may have non-competitive status. You can change your status to competitive so that you can take part in open-water events by contacting your club.

If you have any questions about this issue, please do not hesitate to contact me on +353 87 2278242.