Tipperary swimmers make a big splash at open water event in Galway

Last weekend some Clonmel Swimming Club members took on a different challenge when they participated in the Gaelforce Great Fjord Swim.

This is an open water swimming event in the beautiful Killary Fjord in Co Galway, on the border with Mayo.

David Killan, Killian Whelan and Donal Quinn took part in the two kilometres race.

The swimmers were brought by boat to the start line in the middle of Killary Harbour and they raced back to the Killary shore.

David Killan led the race from start to finish and in a very exciting sprint, after a tough two kilometres, he was first across the line in a time of 29 minutes 38 seconds.

Donal Quinn and Killian Whelan were not far behind in the chasing pack and finished in times of 33:55 and 33:57 respectively. Killian was the first-placed junior competitor.

The girls from the club raced in the 750 metres race.

Jenna Hayes, Isabelle Hoare and Eibhlis Bartley were first, second and third in the female category.

What was so impressive about this achievement is that there was only one male finisher ahead of the girls.

Jenna had a very fast time of 14 minutes 23 seconds, with Isabelle and Eibhlis finishing just behind her in times of 14:30 and 15:23.

Another Clonmel club swimmer, Anna O’Callaghan, was the first female junior home.

David and Jenna received a fabulous Nug dry robe for their efforts, with great prizes for the other swimmers.

This was the first time for most of these swimmers to take part in an open water swim event and they were delighted with their results.

Killary Fjord was a stunning venue for an open water event and the festival atmosphere and camaraderie at the finish line were described as brilliant.

The Clonmel club extends thanks to #GaelforceEvents for a fantastic weekend.