Happy New Year

The anxious swimmers before takeoff!

Clodagh Corrigan, Johnny Mc Guire, Shane

Devanney, Daithi Foley, Hughie Boyd

tentatively awaiting the countdown.

THE SPLASH IN THE POND!

CAVETOWN LAKE was the chilly venue for the adventerous splash last week as a few brave souls sprinted into its icy water.

The crowd gathered in their hundreds to mockingly laugh at the shivering swimmers while they themselves huddled around in their festive clothing. Around 15 braved the elements and were almost speechless with the inhumane temperature of the lake. A great jovial atmosphere blotted out most of the freezing thoughts after the divers had completed the challenging task. Whiskey and mulled wine were provided by the Croghan Bar, defrosting any icicles forming on the swimmers' hair!

Unfortunately, as most highly anticipated events go, some little hiccups were encountered. As stated in our recent December Newsletter (see below) Milo Beirne, Pudsy McKeown, Fr. Martin and Seamus Beirne were all eager contestants in the race for 'Battle of the Bathers'. Outrageous odds were being placed on each contender with the gambling locals competing for a winner.

Milo Beirne was first to be unequivocally expelled after all his donations were received from mysterious political sources; Pudsy McKeown was dismissed from even attending the event after boastfully admitting he would sputter into the lake on his Massey Ferguson with the dog, Tilley keeping watch from the bonnet; Fr. Martin even though gaining substantial financial backing it was later revealed to all be from a mister Frank Feighan (something to do with an old car); and after losing the comradeship of his fellow contendees, Seamus Sweeney decided enough was enough and left his togs at home.

Wee Jimmy Glancy, fully attired in Santa Costume over a concealed wetsuit, recieved a phone call that morning which resulted in him tearfully taking off his beloved santa outfit and donning a black suit instead. Apart from these minor distractions, it was a very successful event which raised substantial funds which will meet the needs of our underage teams in 2008. Thanks goes out to the participants, The Croghan Bar and to Kit Beirne and all members of the Cavetown Residences Association for providing facilities at the lake.