85 year old Billy crosses the line first in Nore Swim
WHEN 85-year-old Billy Dalton from the city's Freshford Road completed the Nore Swim from Greensbridge to John's Bridge on Saturday, it marked his first time competing in the event since 1954.
This time he was first over the line (veterans were left go early) , with his son Denis keeping him company. He made light of his achievement in finishing the 500-metre course in quick time and said that he had no difficulty doing so. He did say that the cold had set in over the last 100 metres and that was the bit he found a little tiring. He was one of those who did the swim without the aid of a wet suit.
His secret is that he swims several evenings a week in the Newpark Hotel leisure centre while continuing to work at the Chancellor's Mills on the Freshford Road.
He was one of over 140 who braved the cold water to compete in the event organised by Kilkenny Water Safety. Not to far behind Mr Dalton was 72-year-old former international athlete and retired Senator, Mick Lanigan from Patrick Street who raised over f1,000 for charity in doing the race.
He had no problems completing the race and had his own kayaker through out, Liam Cassin, from Bennettsbridge. "I really enjoyed it and I just took my time," the former mayor of the city said. Also in this veteran's group were the first manager of the now closed James Stephens swimming pool, Dick Geogehan (69) and Billy Wyse (70), a founder member of Kilkenny sub Aqua Club. Both were in great form after the race which was a huge success and raised over f7,000 for the Carlow-Kilkenny Home Care Team.
And proud mother Mrs Bridie Gorey was there to watch her son, David, who returned especially from England for the event, cross the line.
The swimmers were bathed in sunshine when they took the plunge and safety officer Breda Collins had volunteers dotted along the route in case of any mishaps but there were none.
Every few metres along the river, there were people on surfboards and on small vessels ,while hundreds of spectators looked on, cheering on their friends and family members who participated.
The mens race was won by David Prendergast with Gerard Lally second and Tommy Bergin in third. The ladies race was won by Aisling Wyer; 2 Shauna Scannell and 3 Niamh Fitzgibbon.
Medals
Immediately after the race, the finishers including former Kilkenny People employees, Seamus Nugent and Jim Bateman, were greeted with a cup of warm soup and a towel at the Canal Walk. Later everyone who finished the swim was presented with specially commissioned medals and finger food in the Set Theatre, Langton's, sponsored by Eamon Langton.
Chairman of the Nore Swim, Mick Power, paid tribute to everyone involved and said it had been a huge success.
He thanked safety officer, Breda Collins for ensuring that everyone got in and out of the water safely as well as Andy Ramsbottom from the fire service; the Kilkenny Sub Aqua Club and the local canoe club.
"It was our most successful swim to date and we are already planning for next year when it will be even bigger and better and will probably be brought forward by a few weeks," Mr Power said.
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Weather for Kilkenny
Monday 21 May 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 10 C to 17 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: South
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Temperature: 11 C to 17 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
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