Creevy Rossnowlagh Swim - Connect Mental Health

Hi All,
Since the shackles of lockdown have been lifted a group of us have been taking the plunge into Donegal Bay. What started out as going for a few swims has ended up with the ambitious (for some of us) target of swimming Creevy Pier to Rossnowlagh Beach - 3.6km. This will be a first attempt for 7 of the group with some of the stronger swimmers there to help us along the way.  We are hoping to raise some funding for "Connect Mental Health" so if you can sponsor a swimmer it would be much appreciated. Depending on conditions the group are aiming for a late July, early August swim.

Connect Mental Health is a community mental health organisation promoting positive mental health in Donegal through an annual programme of events, online workshops and supports delivered directly to young people and adults in the local community.

All funds raised will go directly to supporting workshops, events and support material that will:

-> Improve the understanding of suicidal behaviour, mental health and wellbeing and associated protective and risk factors.

-> Increase awareness of available mental health services in Donegal & nationwide. 

-> Reduce stigmatising attitudes to mental health and suicidal behaviour within the local community.
 
Registered Charity Number: 20150310 

MEET THE TEAM:

Philip McLoone
The mastermind behind this endeavor (to try get some lads in shape), Philip will have to take responsibility for convincing the rest that this swim is possible with 6 weeks of training.

David McLoone
An Engineer by trade, hasn't a clue where he's going in the water. Took off for St. Johns Point last week when the destination was 'The Point'. 

Donald Hannigan
Self-proclaimed youngest man to do the Bundoran Bay swim age 10, Hano hasn't been seen in Irish waters since. The only member of the group to tog out each session in speedo's, Don says he has a love for jelly infested waters.

Michael McGrath
Surfaced from Covid-19 lockdown with a couple of extra layers around the mid-region, Michael claims this is tactical and for extra buoyancy. A first timer to distance swimming, we've requested a disclaimer be signed to let him anywhere near the water. 

Rory ONeill
A well known local swimmer, Rory became very unpopular locally when he reduced the size of the famous P. ONeill shop 99 ice cream cone (the family business). Scandalous!!! Rory offers some words of wisdom to the team, usually pointing out the poor technique of others. No one is ever allowed to finish a swim ahead of him. He'll prob do Creevy to Rossnowlagh under the hour.

Philip OReilly
The marshall of the group, helps out the newbies a lot. It has been suggested he does this not out of kindness, but because he cant keep up with Rory, an excuse to drop off the pace.

Chris Britton
The only significant contribution Chris has made to the group was bringing his younger sister and friend along for a swim one sunny afternoon. These two young swimmers highlighted the poor condition most of the group are actually in, bringing moral to an all time low.

Ciaran Ferguson
Fergie is more used to the view from the air these days (que Airwolf theme tune) but will no doubt be another pace setter! Watch out for his fancy dive off the pier at the start.

Ivan O'Mahony
A native of the tropics of Cork, Ivan has struggled to acclimatise to the frigid water's of Donegal bay (still wearing his winter suit). If you don't know him he's one of those sickeners that's good at every sport. 

Brian McGuinness
Like a sculpted Greek God he defo improves the public image of the group. What he lacks in swimming ability, he makes up for in confidence - “I feel like I’m the best, but you’re not going to get me to say that.” For this event Brian searched the length and breadth of the country for the tightest fitting wetsuit!!!

Shane McNulty
A late comer to the group, proud McCumhaill's stalwart Shane is a seasoned Ironman participant, so this swim should be no hassle! A forestry contractor by trade, Shane is swapping the chainsaw trousers for the wetsuit to raise money for this great cause. 

There you go folks, a mixed group of headers training for a swim in the beautiful Donegal Bay. Raising a few pound for the inspiring  "Connect Mental Health" group along the way. Donate what you can.

Thank you in advance!!! 

Finally, we are aware this is a very popular swim. As we have a number of first time distance swimmers in the group safety is of the utmost importance. We will have a number of support boats on the day. Unfortunately we have to limit swimmer numbers to this group. Thank you to anyone who has shown an interest in taking part in this swim.