The second Lough Mask swim takes place this Sunday September 5 and again will prove a tough challenge and a great goal for swimmers from throughout the country. The swim will start on the shores of Lough Mask outside Paddy’s bar in Gortmor, Tourmakeady, at 1pm sharp, the swimmers will swim diagonally across the lake passing Devenish Island on the way to Cushlough bay some 8k away. Last year strong winds and big swells made the going tough for the swimmers and kayakers, with just 14 of the 25 swimmers braving the conditions to make it across. This year the change in direction should suit the prevailing winds from the southwest which are normally prominent at that time of year.
All proceeds raised will go towards the Corrib Mask rescue boat; its volunteers will also patrol the lake on the day and will have all safety procedures in place. The Red Cross ambulance and a number of local boatmen will also help. A special cup will be presented to the first swimmer across the lake by Cecil Johnson, Baron of Kilmaine, and commissioner to the chief of Clan Johnstone of Johnson Hall, Flint Hill, Stanley, Co Durham. This cup will be in honour of the late Monsignor Shannon and will be known as the Friendship Trophy. This will be a perpetual trophy and the recipient each year will get a replica to keep. This swim is a Swim Ireland sanctioned event, all swimmers must be a member of Swim Ireland and ideally a member of a Triathlon Ireland club. For more details see www.trilakestc.com
