Annual CABHAIR Christmas Swim.

by Sharon. - Individual. Sun Dec 13, 2009 10:59

Hi !
An eight-minute video , from the Swim site in Inchicore , Dublin , in which one of the Swim organisers , John Horan , gives a brief history of this Annual CABHAIR event, can be viewed at the ' Related Link' , below.
All is going well with the organising of this event , and we're told that, once again, Santa will be paying us a visit on the day!
Thanks!
Sharon.

Warming-up for their next dip.....

by Harvey Carrot Sun Dec 13, 2009 13:27

I always admire people who do an outdoor splash on Christmas Day, for whatever charity. I am sure their friends turn out with blankets, dressing gowns and essential medicinals such as brandy and whiskey for the hardy boys and girls. One thing has puzzled me about canal dips - has anybody ever scientifically tested samples of Dublin canal water for pollutant substances, and has anybody taken a thermometer reading of the water temperature on the day? Whether or not you answer, have a good splash and celebration afterwards folks. Nollaig shona agus athbhliain faoi mhaise diobh go leir.

by Sharon. - Individual. Sun Dec 13, 2009 18:22

Hi Harvey !
Warm clothes and equally warm drinks are the order of the day after each swimmer has earned his/her sponsorship money , as they try and warm-up at the fire!
We have never tested the water temperature on the morning of the swim , and it wouldn't make any real difference anyway - an outdoor swim anywhere in Dublin in December is bound to be uncomfortable , to put it mildly .
However , the organisers of the Swim will not allow any of the potential swimmers to take to the water if they have a fresh cut (ie from shaving that morning) as water-born diseases can enter the body that way.
Thanks for your comment ,
Nollaig Shona dár léitheoirí go léir !
Sharon.

by larry Mon Dec 14, 2009 15:00

we're looking forward to this gig but it sure doesnt seem like a year since we were there the last time
we'll have a hot whiskey or two and promise again to think about actually swimming next year ;-)
see ye then

by Sharon. - Individual. Tue Dec 15, 2009 17:19

Hi Larry !
We'll keep the usual place by the 'bar' for you and the lads , and Santa will keep the kiddies busy for the hour or so , as always !
I'm told that there are six confirmed swimmers (so far) , each of them heavily sponsored to do the business. If any of them hesitate at the waters edge , I'll give ye a shout ;-) !
Thanks!
Sharon.

by nifc - national irish freedom committee Mon Dec 21, 2009 15:21 nifcmem at optonline dot net P.O. Box 770579, Woodside, NY 11377

Please help the children of irish political prisoners this christmas

Please consider forwarding on to all on your email list and repost anywhere appropriate THANK YOU

This is a rough time of year in Ireland for the children of Irish political prisoners, all of whom have been jailed thru non-jury courts. In most cases the primary breadwinner has been taken out of the household. Ten or Twenty dollars can make a difference. Those who donate a $100 will be given a home made ornament as a thank you. More information at www.irishfreedom.net

The Annual CABHAIR Christmas Swim will be held this year on Christmas morning at the Grand Canal in Inchicore, Dublin. This year marks the 33 Anniversary of this event. Over the last few years, here in the U.S. we have growing support and sponsorship for those who take the chilly morning plunge in support of the prisoners’ families.

With the holiday season fast approaching, many families will benefit from your donation of any amount in support of the Annual CABHAIR Swim. Your contribution means something truly special to them, especially in days such as these. If you have been meaning to contribute all year, this is the time to do so. Your support will raise the spirits of a family - who have sacrificed themselves to raise the spirit of a Sovereign Irish Nation.

(Click here for additional details)

http://irishfreedom.net/PDF%20Files/2009%20Christmas%20...l.pdf

Videos of NIFC member Darryl Levy talking about the importance of the NIFC's IRPAS Campaign in video one while on video two Cabhair Swim organizer John Horan discussing the history of the swim at the Canal.
_________________
Cumann Na Saoirse Náısıúnta
National Irish Freedom Committee
http://www.irishfreedom.net/

by peadar mcmahon - none Wed Dec 23, 2009 16:54

its going to be a very cold one this year for the lads who do this! impressed that ye have kept this running for over 30 years, that takes dedication.

by Sharon. - Individual. Wed Dec 23, 2009 22:46

Hi Peadar !
I think it's safe to say that we have had worse - twice , that I know of over the 32-year history of this swim , a thin layer of ice covered the water and had to be broken with sticks!
We're told that Christmas Day will start dry , frosty and bright , with rain/sleet showers developing in the late afternoon. The temperature is due to be between 3-6°C , which is an improvement (!) on the -6°C that we have been experiencing this past week.
And 'Thank You' for the "dedication" comment - I know that there is a determination within the CABHAIR organisation and its supporters to keep this event going for another three decades , and longer , if need be.
Thanks again ,
Sharon.

"Lemme OUT !"

by Sharon. - Individual. Thu Dec 24, 2009 22:57

Hi !
Republican prisoners in Portlaoise Jail have made and signed a bodhran and a framed etched mirror , which they have asked CABHAIR to raffle at the Swim site , between the swimmers. One or other of those items might have to be used beforehand to break the ice ;-) !
All the arrangments and preparations for this fund-raiser have been made and double-checked , and all we need now is good weather.
Anything above freezing point will do...
Thanks!
Sharon.

by Oxana Fri Dec 25, 2009 21:53

Uploaded few photos from this year Christmas swim. Enjoy!
www.flickr.com/photos/10568962@N05/

(c) Copyright Flickr Oxan@

by Sharon. - Individual. Sat Dec 26, 2009 23:54

Hi Oxana !
Thanks for your help and contribution on Christmas Day - I'm glad none of the 'belly-flappers' ruined your camera !
;-)
There's more pics at the 'Related Link' below.
Thanks again ,
Slán go foill anois ,
Sharon.

Santa drops in for a drink !