Emyvale Development Association © All Rights Reserved
Scairbh
Na
gCaorach
EMYVALE
Site sponsor for emyvale.net
Christmas Day Swim at Emy Lake.
The 38th Christmas Day Swim was in doubt due to weather conditions. The Lake was frozen over, the snow on the shore made it very slippery, road conditions in places were treacherous and the -4 degrees was a danger to the swimmers. These factors influenced the organisers that it was too dangerous to go ahead and they tried to inform as many as possible that they were postponing the event. However they did not reckon on the dedication of the annual swimmers. Victor Watterson, Keith Murphy, Paddy Murphy, Noel McKenna and others used a sledge and Victor’s 4 X 4 to break the ice for some distance out from shore and then swimmers began arriving and when more than 200 spectators came along there was no going back and the swim took place.
This year the event was named the ‘Mossy Devlin Memorial Swim’ in memory of the late Mossy, who had been a participant every year, bar one, from he arrived in the area in 1972. His friends, who had been involved in the swim over the years, felt that they had to go ahead out of respect for Mossy despite the challenge. A ‘minute silence’ was held and a short prayer for Mossy and his family was said. The on the count of three the swimmers launched themselves into the icy waters and splashed about. Very soon the steam was rising and they returned to snow cover land, shivering and shaking, and searching for the towel. Indeed it was remarked that many stayed in longer than other years.
After the swim Paul McGlade, Chairman of the Friends of those with Intellectual disability thanked everyone. Mary Devlin also thanked all and in particularly her neighbours who have been so supportive to the family. Jane, Sarah, and Gregory Devlin participated in the swim this year in memory of their father.
Then, rather faster than usual, the crowd headed for the warmth of their homes and the Christmas dinner. We hope they all enjoyed it and had a lovely Christmas as we wish for you all.
On left are the organising officers with Mary Devlin - Donal Kenny, Dan Rogan and Paul McGlade, while on right are members of the Devlin family - Jane, Sarah, Gregory and Mary.