Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 22 August, 2014
COUNTY NEWS
51
Perfect weather for the 20th Helvick Swim and BBQ THE 20th Helvick Swim & BBQ in aid of the Helvick Lifeboat Station took place on Sunday July 20th under perfect weather conditions. “The little wind that was there blew across Dungarvan Bay in the right direction to help the 41 swimmers along” said RNLI Hon Fundraising Chairman, Oliver Clancy, “and the festive atmosphere of celebration was tangible thanks to the public who supported us and the enormous volunteer crews who helped on Ballinacourty and Helvick Piers not only on the day but on the run up to it!” The first swimmer to reach Helvick Pier was Patrick Lee from the Tannery followed by Laurence Boland a veteran of almost all the Helvick Swims, both of whom swam the 4k distance from Ballinacourty Pier to Helvick Pier. Elaine O’Grady was the first woman home from the 4k swim. Clare Morrissey and Darren Ó Droma veterans of all 20 swims, this year were joined by Fergal Concannon and David Power both of whom did the inaugural Helvick swim in 1995. Those who swam the 4k distance were Laurence Boland; Peter Burke; Liz Callaghan; David Campbell; Colin Crotty, Francis Crotty; Enda Donnelly; Aidan Finnegan; Alice Flood, Darren Flynn; Jenny Hanafin; Joe Kelly; Craig Keyworth; Patrick Lee; Aidan McCarthy; Therese Molyneux; Dave Mulcahy; Elaine O’Grady; Declan O’Sullivan; Conor Power. The 2k distance swimmers from Ballinacourty Lighthouse to Helvick Pier were Toby Bedell; Anne Campbell; Clodagh Carroll; Feargal Concannon; Orla Costin; Brianne Cummins; Muiris de Paor; Pat Deveraux; Laura Geraghty; Paul Gleeson; Patrick Hallahan; Pat McDonald; Judith McNally; Clare Morrissey; Emmett Murray; Darren Ó Droma; Liam Ó Droma; David Power; Sylvie Uí Sheanlaoich; James Twomey; Jason Walsh. As the sponsored swimmers gathered on Ballinacourty Pier there was a great buzz generated by the entourage of family, friends and well wishers some of whom had travelled from far corners of Ireland, and the colourful gazebo with RNLI merchandise generated brisk business run by Ann Hannigan with daughters Laura and Ciara. Following registration with Josephine Harty, Marie Ryan, John Harty and Shauna Harty, the swimmers assembled for Oliver Clancy’s briefing and safety talk. At 12 noon the 4k swimmers entered the water, the siren signaled the start and the swim commenced. Those who opted for the 2k distance were taken in the attendant boats to the starting point just off Ballinacourty Lighthouse and entered the water after their siren commanded them to. At high tide the day before, Kevin O’Morchoe who was Officer of the Day for the swim had laid a perfect course with 20 giant marker buoys from Ballinacourty to Helvick assisted by Nicky and Barry
Hannigan and Eugene Burke. A flotilla of RIBs provided back up to the forty-one swimmers who were marshalled by a large team of kayakers including Ger Cummins, Anne Quinn, Ciarán Foley, Mike and Jamie Fennell, Lauren Sheehan, Breda and Matt Kiely, Jacinta Condon, Colin Carthy, Stephen McGrath, Donal Mac Namara, Michael Murphy, Timmie O’Dea, Enda and Stephen Walsh, Jason and Catherine Travers, Joanne O’Neill and others under the guidance of John Foley. Overall coordination on the sea was by Oliver Clancy. Some of the RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) owners were Maurice and Michael Cummins, Paddy Joe Dwane, Eoin McGarry, John Geoghegan, Eanna Sheehan, Peter Maher, John Quealy. Maurice Kiely and daughter Chloe hosted this writer and Emma Fahey aboard Sea-U. As the swimmers crossed the bay they were accompanied by the safety flotilla in the presence of the Helvick Lifeboat with Shay Young at the helm and crew Paidi Walsh and Liam Harty. Meanwhile on Helvick Pier the hardworking set up team were busy since early morning and bunting and lifeboat flags dancing in the balmy breeze added to the excitement. Music by the talented Pax, Macdara and Cárthach Ó Faoláin was wonderful and the wafting silver smoke from the barbecue created a heady aroma through the culinary skills of Connie Kiersey and Micheal Daly Snr, Dermot Twomey, Seamus Kiersey, Dermot Hickey, Micheal Jr, Johnny and Mary Daly, Geraldine Harty, Sean Veale, Kate Barron, Saoirse Moloney and Caren Drummy.We acknowledge the generosity of our BBQ Sponsors: Convenience Foods Dawn Meats, Carrolls Cross; Paidi Breathnach SPAR An Rinn; Glanbia; Conor Lannon, The Country Store; Micheal Daly and family. The facilities made available for the sponsored swimmers by Sólás na Mara Heilbhic Seaweed Baths were very welcome. The ladies committee with Olivere Walsh, Rita Drummy, Sinead Moore, Mary Ann Condon, Eileen Moloney and Eilish Rossiter were well into their stride serving their legendary sandwiches, cakes and beverages. Johanna Curran and Marie Donnelly did a roaring trade in crisps and soft drinks while the Mad Hatter aka Michael Wright had everyone in stitches as he provided a running commentary for the afternoon. He was presented with a certificate of appreciation by the Helvick Fundraising Committee for his unstinting work over the years. Down by the pier wall the RNLI Merchandise stall was in full swing with Sibéal Breathnach and hubby Stephen Harmon, Alannah Carey, Jacinta Cummins and Deirdre Young. Facepainters Kerrie Bedell, Chloe Keane, Davina Muntjewerff, Sarah Curran and Evie McGrath worked wonders on the little ones transforming them into the most exotic
creatures while Caragh McCarthy, Sinéad Flynn and Molly Curran supervised the very popular play trailer and complimentary goody bags. Austin Flynn and Sara-Louise Rossiter provided a free safety check clinic for lifejackets. The Dog Show, organised by Mary Curran was a great attraction and the splendid prizes were very kindly sponsored by Morrissey & Associates, Farm Development Services; Declan & Mairead Gilchrist, Deise Vets; Riverside Veterinary Clinic; Hallahan’s Pharmacy; Saranne O’Rourke, Seasons; Dungarvan Pet Shop & Supplies; Glanbia Agribusiness, Dungarvan; Jim Quinn Ltd; Dungarvan Country Sports; Gaille Rosettes. The Coastguard Search & Rescue Helicopter paid a courtesy call and people were spellbound by the sheer size of the craft and the pilot’s amazing skill and maneuvers. The Helvick Swim & BBQ attracted two TV camera crews. Our own award winning Maggie Breathnach from Red Shoe Productions created a nice buzz while she did some interviews as Gaeilge for her upcoming series from around the coast for TG4. Liz O’Sullivan did a piece for Country Matters on Sky 191/Freesat 400. Her husband Declan swam the 4k distance and daughter Fiona presented the show. The King of Helvick attracted the greatest ever number of contestants. The new King was Declan Metcalfe and he was crowned with a wreath sponsored by Brigid Ballot Flowers. “I’m delighed” said a victorious Declan, “I won it in 2012, so this is my second time achieving the coveted title!” The contest designed by Liam Harty and Seán Walsh was assisted by his son Fiachra and cousin Adam Carey. The raffle sponsors were Cliff House Hotel, Ardmore; Clonea Strand Hotel & Gold Coast Golf Club; Dún Ard B&B, An Rinn; T. Kiely Car Sales, An Rinn; An Seanachaí Restaurant, Pulla, An Rinn; Sólás na Mara, Helvick; I Eye Individual Eyewear, High St., Dungarvan; Helvick Seafood, Cross Bridge St., Dungarvan; Peter Taylor Sales, Dungarvan & Waterford; Kevin Forde, Topaz, Youghal Rd, Dungarvan; Murray’s Pharmacy, Grattan Sq., Dungarvan; Liam Rossiter Ltd, O’Connell St., Dungarvan; Siobhán’s Hair & Beauty, Mary St., Dungarvan; Joan Clancy Gallery, An Rinn. The ticket sellers were RoseAnn Foley, Miriam Foley MacLeod, Joseph Foley, Blawnin Clancy, Helen Carey, Trish Brabazon, Grace and Sharon O’Sullivan, Terence Morrisssey, Liam and Josephine Harty, Dermot Hickey, Tilly Costin, Beibhinn Hurley, Pádraigín Ní Chadhla. Parking & General Helpers: John Harty, Kevin Harty, Paud Ó Currain, Liam Ryan, James Cummins, Pax, Macdara and Cárthach Ó Faoláin. First Aid: Dr Tom Nyhan; Civil Defence.
Office: Dolores Walsh, Anne McCarthy. Photography: Miriam Foley MacLeod, Joan Clancy. Extra sponsors: Paidi Breathnach SPAR An Rinn; An Linn Bhuidhe; Edwin Faye, Glanbia; John Quealy, Quealy’s Bar; Brigid Ballot Flowers; Frank Nugent, Centra; Michael Mulcahy; Bríd Ni Chionnfaolaidh; Joan Clancy Gallery. “The Helvick Swim & BBQ is the main fundraising event for the Helvick Lifeboat station. I would also like to acknowledge the enormous work of our helpers on land and sea, without whom the smooth running of this event would not have been possible. “The day was a hugely successful one, we were blessed with perfect weather and we are grateful to all who have helped us in any way” said Oliver Clancy. “We could not do this without the assistance of local businesses and support of our volunteers, sponsors and the media including Dungarvan Leader, Dungarvan Observer, WLRfm, CRY, East Cork Journal, South Tipp Today, Munster Express, Waterford News & Star,The Irish Times, RnG. We are grateful to Colaiste na Rinne, An Garda Síochána, Waterford City & Co Council and to Breda and Bilest Murray of Tigh Uí Mhuirithe for extra parking facilities.” RNLI Helvick Lifeboat Station Personnel Lifeboat Operations Manager: Ian Walsh. Deputy Launching Authorities: Eamonn Turraoin, Donal Walsh, Tom Whelan. Lifeboat Treasurer: Eamon Mansfield. Lifeboat Medical Adviser: Dr Isobel Brennock. Lifeboat Press Officer: Dónal Ó Faolain. Lifeboat Sea Safety Officer: Austin Flynn. Lifeboat Chaplain: Fr Conor Kelly.Training Co-ordinator: Eamonn Turraoin. Crew: David Byrne, John Condon, Joseph Foley, Liam Harty, Richard Haynes, Alan Kelly, Tomás Kiely, Aodh Mac Craith, Terence Morrissey, Fionn O’Corraoin, Liam Ó Lonain, Deuglain O’Reagain, Sean O’Reagain, Brian O’Rourke, Liam Ronayne, Michael Tobin, Declan Walsh, Paidi Walsh, Shane Walsh, Sean Young, Shay Young. Shore Helpers: Willie Harty, Kieran Rossiter, Richard Tobin, Sean Walsh. Station Mechanics: Patrick Harty, Shane Walsh. Fundraising Officers & Committee Chairman: Oliver Clancy. Treasurer: Dolores Walsh. Secretary: Anne McCarthy. Vice Chairman & Liaison Officer: Liam Harty. Assistant Treasurer: Deirdre Young. Press Secretary: Joan Clancy. Fundraising Committee: RoseAnn Foley, Miriam Foley Macleod, Nicholas Hannigan, Josephine Harty, Kevin Harty, Connie Kiersey, Martin Landers, Terence Morrissey, John Quealy. Box Secretaries: Paud Ó Cuirrin, Terence Morrissey. Photographer: Mary Tobin. The RNLI consists of dedicated volunteers who constantly risk their lives 24-7-365 to save life at sea. JOAN CLANCY
Declan Metcalfe the new King of Helvick being congratulated by RNLI Fundraising Secretary Anne McCarthy at the 20th Helvick Swim & BBQ in aid of the Helvick Lifeboat. He also won the coveted title in 2012. [Miriam Foley MacLeod]
Sponsored swimmer Pat Devereux with Aoibhe and Óla at the 20th Helvick Swim & BBQ in aid of the Helvick Lifeboat. [Miriam Foley MacLeod]
Sponsored swimmer Laura Geraghty. [Miriam Foley MacLeod]
Sponsored swimmer James Twomey. [Miriam Foley MacLeod]
Sponsored swimmers Judith McNally and Clodagh Carroll at the 20th Helvick Swim & BBQ in aid of the Helvick Lifeboat. [Miriam Foley MacLeod]