Karen O’Sullivan is the first woman to swim around Great Island Cobh for Adolescent Mental Health

Congratulations to Karen O’Sullivan for completing the marathon swim of 28.7km around the circumference of Great Island Cobh in 09:08:06 hours.

This is a remarkable achievement, as she is the first woman to ever accomplish this feat. 

She also raised money for a noble cause, supporting the ever-essential adolescent counselling services in Carrigtwohill Family Resource Centre (CFRC).

Karen started her swim at 07:38 on Saturday, September 23, 2023, from Cuskinny, in ideal conditions. 

However, with the weather deteriorating during the day, she faced many challenges along the way, such as the weather, the tide, the water temperature, and the marine life. 

Karen was blown onto the rocks at East Ferry but, showing amazing mental fortitude, just kept going. 

She was supported throughout her marathon attempt by friends and family, with her Dad crewing the safety boat and several kayakers looking out for her throughout the day. 

Many of her fellow swimmers from Sandycove Island Swimming Club in Kinsale were there as well as Board members and staff of CFRC to cheer her on throughout the day from various vantage points around the island. 

She finished her swim at 4:47pm, to the cheers and applause of the spectators and supporters.

Karen said she was inspired to take on this challenge by her own experience with mental health issues, and the help she received from CFRC. 

She said she wanted to raise awareness and reduce stigma around mental health, and to support the amazing work that CFRC is doing in helping people cope with their mental health issues. 

She also said she hoped that her swim would inspire others to challenge themselves physically and mentally, and to support CFRC as well.

CFRC is a community-based organisation that provides counselling, psychotherapy, problem gambling support to adults and adolescents.

Greg O’Keeffe, CEO and spokesperson for the Centre pointed out that CFRC relies on heavily on donations and fundraising to sustain its services and reach more people in need.

“Our young people’s mental health is being assaulted on a daily basis through the negative impacts of social media, where they are exposed to toxic comments, often leading to issues such as poor body image and even suicidal ideation. 

"Offline they feel the effects of the cost of living crisis at home so there’s no respite for so many of them. We need to be in a position to support them and their families and it is through the generosity of people like Karen that we will continue to meet their needs and the needs of their families.” 

To support Karen’s swim and CFRC, you can visit her online fundraising page1 or contact CFRC at 021-4533000 or coordinator@carrigtwohillfrc.ie.