Galley Head Swim is a huge success

THREE local charities were treated to an early Christmas present following a successful fundraising event in west Cork.

A total of €104,613 was divided among the various organisations from the Galley Head 10km swim 2023.

The fundraiser saw swimmers brave the water from Red Strand before reaching Galley Head and then concluding on the Warren beach in Rosscarbery.

Marymount University Hospice, CoAction West Cork, and Cancer Connect all attended the cheque presentation which took place in the Celtic Ross Hotel.

Each charity received a sum of €34,871.03 courtesy of the fundraiser.

The committee of the popular Galley Head Swim coordinated the event last September after it was postponed from its original July date.

The fundraiser initially came about during a conversation between friends over pints in Austria four years ago, raising funds for Marymount Hospice and West Cork Underwater Search and Rescue.

Margaret Deegan from the Galley Head Swim committee extended her gratitude to everyone involved.

“We are absolutely delighted with the amount of funds raised this year and are so grateful for everyone’s generosity and those who donated to and supported this event,” she said.

“We are also grateful to our phenomenal swimmers, including those who swam on the day and those who did their swims virtually, skippers, and our safety crews.”

She also acknowledged sponsors for the event including Secon, The Lagoon Activity Centre, A Cut Above, Smugglers Cover, and the Celtic Ross Hotel. Dave Scully of Scully’s Butchers, Londis Rosscarbery, O’Brien’s, Rosscarbery, Dunnes Stores, Hodnett Forde Property Services, West Cork Sauna, and Clonakilty RFC also supported the event.

“It just couldn’t happen without their support,” Margaret said.

“It was a challenging year for the swim with postponement of original date due to a small craft warning and reorganising for September.

“Fortunately, we were blessed with great weather, but challenging swimming conditions.

“It was a superb achievement for everyone involved.”