The 26th Annual Helvick Swim took place on Saturday September 18 when 59 sponsored swimmers took the plunge under sunny skies and a water temperature of 16 degrees, all in aid or RNLI Helvick Lifeboat Station.
Due to Government Covid guidelines the event was for swimmers only and the barbecue and entertainment on the pier had to be put on hold till next year.
However everyone was delighted that the swim could go ahead, as it is the major fundraising event in support of RNLI Helvick Lifeboat Station.
The course of 2km starting and ending on the slipway in Helvick Pier was triangular marked by large orange buoys every 200 meters. The 4km swimmers did the course twice. They all enjoyed the safety support of the kayakers and RIBS under the watchful eye of the RNLB Robert Armstrong in attendance crewed by Liam Harty, Alan Kelly, Joe Foley and Nicole Mulcahy.
The swimmers who took part were Conor Barron, Linda Bradfield, Peter Burke, Ruth Cahir, Thelma Caples, Ray Crowley, Nicola Cunniffe, Teresa Daly, Pat Devereux, Eanna Drohan, Sarah Enright, Una Fennell, Terri Foley, Thomas Grace, Jamie Hallahan, Sarah Higgins, Caoimhe Horgan, Fionnuala Houlihan, Sarah Howley, Petra Kealy, Yvonne Kelly, Brian Kelly, Christina Kelly, Michael Lee, Kristie McArdle, Judith McNally, Kevin McNally, Joey Miller, Simon Moloney, Therese Molyneux, Eleanor Moore, John Murphy, Michael Murphy, Billy Murphy, Fiona O’Brien, Padraig O’Donoghue, Sarah O’Donoghue, Darren Ó Droma, Anthony O’Gorman, Emer O’Sullivan, Carolyn O’Sullivan, Louis O’Carroll, Eilis O’Toole, Gormlaith Ormonde, Mary Power, Katie Power, Brian Power, Terri Ranahan, John Roche, Eanna Sheehan, Pat Tobin, Vincent Tutty, Deirdre Twomey, Angela Wade, Ronan Wall, Mary Clare Walsh, Lillian Whelan, Ava Whelan, Orla White.
“It was a fantastic day and we wish to thank each and every one of our participants and volunteers for their support in what was a most successful day!” said RNLI Hon Fundraising Chairman Kevin O’Morchoe.
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Words: Joan Clancy
Eilis O’Toole and swimmers ahead of the 2021 RNLI Helvick Swim. (Joan Clancy) 
Dr Mike Quirke and Dr Tom Nyhan. (Joan Clancy) 
Conor Barron, Paddy Lannen with his daughter Linda Bradfield. (Joan Clancy) 
Civil Defence crew Karen Dalton and Shaun Oliphant in attendance at the 2021 RNLI Helvick Swim in aid of Helvick Lifeboat Station. (Joan Clancy) 
Terri Foley and Gormlaith Ormonde. (Joan Clancy) 
Sponsored swimmers receive their briefing. 3. (Joan Clancy) Sponsored swimmers receive their briefing. 1 (Joan Clancy) 
Sponsored swimmers receive their briefing. (Joan Clancy) 
Some of the kayakers who formed part of the safety flotilla at the 2021 Helvick Swim. (Joan Clancy) 
Siobhan Harrison with her grand nephew Darragh O Droma at the RNLI Helvick Swim. (Joan Clancy) 
RNLI Helvick Sponsored Swimmers Yvonne Kelly with Fionnuala Houlihan and daughter Sinead Houlihan at the 2021 Helvick Swim. (Joan Clancy) 
RNLI crew Pat Devereux and Darren O Droma. 2 (Joan Clancy) 
RNLI crew Brian O’Rourke and Shay Young. (Joan Clancy) 
RNLI Community Manager Jennifer Grey, Joan Clancy and QSHE Manager Ireland & IOM -RNLI Terence Morrissey at the 2021 RNLI Helvick Swim. (Joan Clancy) 
Olivere Walsh and Rita Drummy from the legendary RNLI Ladies Hospitality Committee, pictured at the 2021 Helvick Swim. (Joan Clancy) 
Mary Condon with her neighbours RNLI crew Alan Kelly and his sons Olan and Rian at the 2021 Helvick Swim. (Joan Clancy) 
Mary Clare Walsh. (Joan Clancy) Maeve Bradfield and Maddie Berryman. (Joan Clancy) 
Kevin, Wendy and Jill O’Morchoe at the 26th Helvick Swim against the backdrop of RNLB Robert Armstrong & crew. Kayakers assembling ahead of the 2021 RNLI Helvick Swim. (Joan Clancy) 
Jay, Andrew, Aoibh and Fox Miller at 2021 RNLI Helvick Swim. ( Anne McCarthy) 
RNLI Hon Fundraising Chairman Kevin O’Morchoe his wife Jill and their daughter Wendy at the 2021 Helvick Swim.
