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22 Oct 2025
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22 Oct 2025
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Tom pictured with his Dad, Paddy
Graignamanagh man Tom Grace is daring to bare it all this November at the Mater Hospital Foundation's Dickie Dip event to raise vital funds for men's cancer care the Mater Hospital, all in memory and honour of his beloved father Paddy.
Tom, who is also a member of the Mater Hospital Foundation fundraising team, is going above and beyond this winter and joining 500 men on the beach in Skerries who will take a chilly dip in the Irish sea in nothing but a dickie bow and a smile.
Tom's Dad Paddy from Fairview, Graignamanagh was diagnosed with cancer and sadly passed away in December 2024. Many in the community will know Paddy, who was a renowned goalkeeper and captain of the 1973 Kilkenny team that won the All-Ireland Intermediate title.
Tom says, “What would my Dad think? Well, he'd definitely tell us we are mad fools to be charging into the sea at that time of year, but he'd be pleased as punch that his memory is helping others. I’ve been lucky enough to see the last couple of Dickie Dips first hand, working as part of the team here at the Foundation. That sense of camaraderie, brotherhood and solidarity with those gents who’ve experienced cancer in their lives…you can really feel it throughout the morning, and it gives the event a special atmosphere."
The Dickie Dip, now in its sixth year, is an annual all-male skinny dip fundraiser that’s chilly for a great cause and truly heartwarming. Since the inaugural event in 2019, Dickie Dip participants have stood together with their fellow men and raised a phenomenal €600,000 to provide essential supports and services for men’s cancer patients who need it most in the hospital.
Last year’s event raised an impressive €186,000 for men’s cancer care and the Mater Hospital Foundation is hoping to smash that at this year’s event, with the help of the biggest group yet of determined dippers striding into the surf in Skerries on Saturday, November 8.
To find out more and register for The Dickie Dip on November 8, visit www.materfoundation.ie/
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