THE ANNUAL Liffey Swim last weekend attracted over 330 competitors, and non-Irish nationals were among them for the first time in the history of the race.
The competition had previously been a strictly Irish affair, but the rules were relaxed so that visitors and immigrants could take the plunge into the famous Dublin river’s murky depths.
Swimmers from the US, the UK, Romania, Russia and the Isle of Man all entered alongside the Irish contingent for the men’s and women’s races.
This year’s competitors ranged from the youngest, 13-year-old Lucy Gaynor, to Joe Oakes, who at 73 was the oldest participant. Oakes had previously swum a number of high-profile international challenges including the Bering Strait, the Dardenelles, the Strait of Gibraltar and the English Channel.
The men’s race was won by Larry Mooney, from the Guinness Club, while Sandra Dowling from Eastern Bay was first in the ladies’ race. The Channel Islands team were crowned champions in the international section, followed by the US and England.
Dublin Lord Mayor Paddy Bourke said before the start of the race that he was looking forward to seeing a more diverse line up. He pointed out: “There has been a huge increase in the number of international swimmers registering for the race, which is testament to its growing popularity abroad.”
The first Liffey Swim took place in July 1920 with just 27 male contestants. The women’s race was introduced in 1991.
