Three generations of the Kelly family were among the members of Shark Swimming Club which celebrated its 40th anniversary at the weekend.
Brendan Kelly, son of founder Maura, was the recipient of the special Bill Connell award which was launched on the night, with sympathies extended to Bill Connell's family on his recent death.
The Lally family, involved in the club for many years, was also present with coach Roisin Lally a winner of one of the Life Time Achievement awards on the night.
Also celebrating were founding members and their families, including the Connells, Gearys, Roches, and Kellys.
Shark SC chairperson, Seamus Lennon, said what made the night more special was the coming together of an extended Shark SC "family".
Also in attendance were Tom O'Dea of Swim Ireland, and the team at Captain Cillian's Adventures, winners of the club's recent Golden Sponsor competition, who will sponsor Shark Swimming for 2018/18.
Steven McKeown (aka Stevie J ), entrepreneur and the first Irish person to complete 100 marathons in 10o0 days, was guest speaker at the event, while head coach Trevor Collins and former swimmer and son of Bill Connell, Ciaran, took club members on a trip down memory lane, from its beginnings with just three swimmers to its squad of more than 120 today.
