Christmas Morning saw a sea of red t-shirts adding to Salthill’s festive atmosphere for the 2022 COPE Galway Christmas Swim. Now in its 33rd year, families, friends, colleagues, sports teams, schoolmates and many familiar faces took part in this long-held Christmas tradition to brave Galway Bay’s cold water in support of the local charity.
The essential funds raised by an estimated 700 swimmers and dippers this year will have a direct and positive impact on the lives of vulnerable families and individuals?in Galway. Last year, COPE Galway supported 2,885 people in Galway city and?county across their homeless, domestic abuse and senior support services.
One participant, Kieran Muldoon has braved the cold for the Christmas Swim every year since he was little. He loves the ‘bit of fun, and that it helps the charity’.
Saoirse Smyth has been swimming on Christmas Day in aid of COPE Galway for the past four years. She said, “Growing up in Knocknacarra, we spent a lot of time here as kids, it’s so nice to come together, meet friends, and support such a good cause.”
Marcin and Marlena Muca from Loughrea have lived in Galway for 16 years. Marcin said, “Every year, we think about doing the Christmas Swim. This morning, I got this red t-shirt when I unwrapped my Christmas gift and was just delighted to come down here today and take part!”
COPE Galway’s Fundraising Manager, Lynia O’Brien, had high praise for the local essential services and volunteers that have given freely of their time and support.
“I have to say a sincere and heartfelt thank you not just to the participants, but to the 60 plus volunteers who lent a hand as well as the Order of Malta Ambulance team, the wonderful lifeguards, Gardaí and all our supporters. We are so grateful to them for going the extra mile to help make this a safe and enjoyable community event today.”
Along with familiar local faces who have participated over the years, there were also a few recognisable supporters. Olympic champion rower and this year’s swim ambassador, Fiona Murtagh, took along her family and friends to uphold their long-held Christmas swim tradition.
Dippers like international footballer, Niamh Fahey, Connacht Rugby players Jarrad Butler and Shamus Hurley-Langton, and indie band New Dad’s Fiachra Parslow, arrived throughout Christmas morning, determined to brave the cold in support of the charity.
COPE Galway relies on the funds raised from this event to support more people than ever before. Lynia O’Brien said we see people in our community who are struggling a lot more this year.
“While all of us face our own challenges with the cost of living crisis, it’s evident the Galway community never forgets those amongst us who experience extra hardships.
“Our front-line staff try to make things easier for clients who are older and living alone, mothers and children who are fleeing domestic abuse, and families and individuals who have to spend longer in emergency homeless accommodation.
“We would like to thank everyone in Galway that has supported our work throughout the year, enabling us to continue to deliver these vital services to those who need it most,” she added.
If you didn’t get to join in this year, but would still like to support, you can donate online at www.swim.copegalway.ie/donate
