31 Years Underwater !

by Sharon . - Individual . Fri Nov 23, 2007 13:49

....can be viewed here -
http://11sixtynine.blogsome.com/2007/11/17/cabhair-need...lp-2/

- ....and comments , pledges of support etc regarding this years event can be viewed here -
http://admin2.7.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=8055&start=0

Thanks !

Sharon.

December 25th , 2006 , CABHAIR Swimmer.

by Sharon . - Individual . Thu Dec 06, 2007 21:38

Hi !

One knows one has well and truly 'arrived' when those with an interest in the craft of jewellery simply clamour over themselves to be associated with you : such , now , is the case with the CABHAIR Swim !

The history of this piece of jewellery (as with all such spectacular pieces , it has to have a 'history') can be read here -
http://admin2.7.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=8055&postda...rt=15

- whilst a rare picture of the designed (and much desired...) item in question is published below .
I fully expect to be back on this thread in the near future to announce the details of the now inevitable television programme on this issue which , more than likely , will not be seen on RTE due to censorship...

;-)

Thanks,

Sharon.

Very nice , but is it waterproof...?

by local Wed Dec 19, 2007 16:21

great to see that this tradition is very much alive . my dad always took me and my sister to this , going back to the early 80s, and now we have kids of our own and we take them to it - they love it , the whole atmosphire and the music , the soft drinks ,mince pies and the general craic!
fair play to the organisers - a great cause and a welcome break for us parents.

by Sharon - Individual . Wed Dec 19, 2007 20:19

Hi local!

The 'family tradition' is one often talked about at the swim site on Christmas Day : people who went there with their father and/or mother and now (also) take their own children to the venue . It adds a 'Christmas-type' dimension to the affair - the on-lookers use the occasion to catch-up on changes which occured during the past twelve months, not the least of which is the change to the swim site itself , soon to feature as part of the 'back garden' for those that will live in the apartment block presently being constructed within metres of the canal water!

Anyway , 'local' - thank you for the comment and looking forward to meeting you and the kids (and the Grandparents!) next Tuesday!

Thanks!

Sharon.

by Sharon . - Individual . Sat Dec 22, 2007 13:05

Hi !

Some hundreds of Euro in cash , boxes of mince pies , large mixed bags of crisps , assorted quantities of soft drinks and not-so-soft drinks (including , I'm told , a bottle or two of Donegal 'mountain brew' !) a music system and firewood have all been donated by local people , shops and publicans !

The response has been fantastic - this has all the hallmarks of being one of the best swims to date. Hope to see you there !

Thanks,

Sharon.

December 07 Swim Leaflets . Adequate , but not as fancy (or desirable) as the jewellery...

by hilly Sat Dec 22, 2007 22:10

to all involved in this its great to see the support for these political prisoners thanks cabhair!

by Sharon . - Individual . Sun Dec 23, 2007 19:33

Hi Hilly !

Thank you for your comment and your good wishes - all we need now to fill-in the missing piece is good weather - it'll be freezing cold , no doubt , but let's hope it doesn't rain on our 'parade' !

Thanks again!

Sharon.

by Sharon . - Individual . Wed Dec 26, 2007 00:04

Hi !

We had an almost 'summers day' at the CABHAIR annual Christmas swim - dry , 10 degrees , bright but chilly !
A crowd of about 100 on-lookers gathered on the canal banks and on the near-by bridge to watch the proceedings and cheer-on the brave (!) sponsored swimmers as , one by one , they dived into the freezing waters more than one time each!
The usual detail of Special Branch members were also present , but confined themselves to the entrance point , with just one of their number (a female) coming within a few metres of one of the tables with the crisps , drink , lollipops etc on it , but it must not have been her feeding time as she left empty-handed...

The seven swimmers all earned their keep and none of them needed to be prodded too hard (!) to do so...
The organisers were delighted with the proceedings , as were the swimmers and the crowd that turned-out to observe the almost two-hour event. Well done to all!

Five pictures following , with five others here -
http://www.indymedia.ie/article/85620&comment_limit=0&c...16318
- and another few on the 'Related Link' blog.
Thanks!

Sharon.

Back to the sunshine.....

Two of the many kids present...

Two swimmers in the distance...

Signs at the CABHAIR swim...

Sharing the heat!

by rooster Wed Dec 26, 2007 02:24

that children are being sucked into this spectacle of republican propagnada!

by Sharon . - Individual . Wed Dec 26, 2007 10:15

...that Rooster obviously didn't get what he wanted for Christmas!

Hi Rooster!

I bet you're glad that you are not (?) a turkey !

There are no children (or adults!) "being suckered" into anything at this event , Rooster - only a paranoid person would think there is ! There is no 'requirement' for those participating to bring children with them - some years there have been between ten and twenty children present and other years there could be as few as a half dozen. It depends on the parents .
Come along next year and confirm for yourself that no-one , regardless of age , is taken to a marshalled-off area of the swim site to have a bright light shined in their face whilst being subjected to political mantras.

And take a 'chill pill' with the other medication , Rooster . Or get out for some air at Christmas time . Plenty of the latter (served chilled!) at the swim site - and bring your swim togs . You sound like a cold 'bath' would do you the world of good!

Sharon .

by local Fri Dec 28, 2007 14:59

that person who called it a propaganda event has obvioulsy never been at it because no politics are ever pushed at it.
those of us that go to it every year are there because we support the idea of a british withdrawal and a true peace , but that desire is not pushed on anyone at the swim site .
no one is ever asked as to where they stand politically nor does their religion or skin colour matter .
We had a fantastic time at the swim on christmas day , as we always have , and we're proud to be asociated with the republicans that organise it.
Will see you all next year!

by Sharon . - Individual Fri Dec 28, 2007 17:45

Hi local!

Thanks for that post - and for your support .
Glad you enjoyed the few hours on the banks of the Grand Canal and hoping to see you and the kids again next year , if not before then !

Thanks!

Sharon.