A Christmas Day Corbally Bath Swim Revival – O’Donnell

*Senator Kieran O’Donnell with Limerick International Ice Swimmers John Ryan and Mark Dempsey at the Corbally Baths  

Press Statement  18th December 2019

A Christmas Day Corbally Bath Swim Revival – O’Donnell 

– Council asked to look at this possibility 

Limerick Senator Kieran O’Donnell has been approached by a group of Limerick winter swimming enthusiasts, “Narwhals” who are looking to revive the Christmas Day swim tradition at Corbally Baths.

This swim was an Annual feature on Christmas Day up to 2007. A campaign is being spearheaded by Limerick Irish Ice Swimming Internationals, John Ryan and Mark Dempsey, who both competed at the Ice Swimming World championships in Russia last May, with John Ryan winning Silver and Bronze medals to revive this event.

There is a move nationally towards the revival of old natural swimming locations like the Corbally baths.

Meetings have been arranged by Senator O’Donnell and held with Limerick City & County Council officials to discuss the prospect of this  Christmas Day swim revival. This feasibility study  by the Council will involve looking at river water quality, restoration works that would be need to be carried out at the Corbally baths itself.

“The Corbally baths Christmas Day swim was a annual feature in Limerick up to 2007 and remembered fondly by many. Winter swimming Irish International winter swimmers, Mark Dempsey and John Ryan, along with fellow enthusiasts have approached me about the revival of this Christmas Day swim.

“I arranged a meeting earlier this week with Limerick City & County Council officials to look at the feasibility of this Christmas Day swim at the Corbally baths.The Council have committed to looking into this possibility, and they will be looking at river water quality and restoration works needed at the Corbally baths itself after which they will revert back to us.

“This Christmas Day winter swim revival call has once again sparked interest in the prospect of looking at the restoration of the Corbally baths area itself as an enhanced amenity.

“Clearly, before anything is considered around the restoration of the Corbally baths itself, consultation with local residents on the Mill road and community groups must be the first priority.

END. 

2020-01-14T15:51:48+00:00 January 3rd, 2020|Categories: Limerick, Press Release|Tags: |