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The O’Connell family at the Christmas Day swim in Fenit. Photo by Dermot Crean
Billy Ryle on a wonderful morning of fun in Fenit at the annual Christmas Day Swim…
Ideal conditions prevailed for the 66th annual Christmas Day swim in Fenit where the wonderful tradition of the Yuletide swim was inaugurated in 1952.
The early morning rain had passed over by the time a huge crowd of people began to converge on Fenit village from 11am for the noon swim.
The mild 8c° temperature, the calm wind free morning and the dry conditions enticed about 750 people of all ages into the cold but invigorating sea.
About the same number watched on as Fenit hosted a huge crowd of people at Kerry’s most popular venue for a Christmas dip.
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Linda and Susan Browne at the Christmas Day swim in Fenit. Photo by Dermot Crean
All the regular Christmas Day swimmers, as well as the hardy annual plungers, were present to take part in a well-established and popular swim.
The buzz of excitement and giddy anticipation was tangible as people gathering in the car park were met by lively seasonal music.
Members of RNLI Fenit served up a variety of seasonal refreshments while the assembling numbers were entertained with songs and revelry.
The atmosphere was electric as the swimmers lined up on the beach at 11.55am for a lively rendition of Jingle Bells.
Santa and Mrs Claus were put to the pin of their collars to hold the enthusiastic line of swimmers in check for the traditional charge to the sea at noon.
The honour of leading the charge this year fell, once again, to the indomitable octogenarian PJ Costello, who has faithfully participated in every Christmas Day swim since the very first swim in 1952.
Jason Teahan and Patrick Ryan at the Christmas Day swim in Fenit. Photo by Dermot Crean
As there was low tide in Tralee bay this year, there was plenty of sandy beach available to the swimmers as they raced into the sea, where water temperature was a very acceptable 10C.
The majority of swimmers did the customary three charges into the sea.
All the swimmers behaved sensibly and got in, got down, got out and got warm. A special feature of the day was the presence of many people home for Christmas.
A substantial cohort of first timers and young swimmers also took the plunge into the cold sea.
The sizable collection went to RNLI Fenit, whose members were in position with their collection boxes from 11am and were generously supported by the festive crowd.
The RNLI also provided piping hot soup, tea and coffee for one and all throughout the day. The warm refreshments went down a treat after the swim.
Then it was time to head home for a hot shower before tucking-in to the turkey and ham. The appetite for the traditional fare had been nicely whetted by another unforgettable Christmas Day swim. Long may the tradition continue!
• Billy Ryle is a regular Christmas Day swimmer in Fenit. SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTOS…
Getting ready to jump back into the water at the Christmas Day swim in Fenit. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Participants get ready for the Christmas Day swim in Fenit. Photo by Dermot Crean
Katie O’Sullivan, Johnny O’Sullivan, Paul Dowling, Helena O’Sullivan, Patrick Dowling and Mark Dowling at the Christmas Day swim in Fenit. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Santa and friends at the Christmas Day swim in Fenit. Photo by Dermot Crean
Jasmine, Louis, Sally and Michael Ryle at the Christmas Day swim in Fenit. Photo by Dermot Crean
Happy dippers at the Christmas Day swim in Fenit. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Dashing out of the water in the Christmas Day swim in Fenit. Photo by Dermot Crean
Dashing out of the water in the Christmas Day swim in Fenit. Photo by Dermot Crean
A happy trio at the Christmas Day swim in Fenit. Photo by Dermot Crean
Dashing out of the water in the Christmas Day swim in Fenit. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Tony Barrett and Joanna Walsh at the Christmas Day swim in Fenit. Photo by Dermot Crean
Participants get ready for the Christmas Day swim in Fenit. Photo by Dermot Crean
In good spirits after the Christmas Day swim in Fenit. Photo by Dermot Crean
Tess Lombardo, Tommy Walsh, Ogie Moran and Sean Walsh after the Christmas Day swim in Fenit. Photo by Dermot Crean
