Christmas swimmers courageous the chilly – The Irish Times

Jessica Fuller emerged from the water at Sandycove seaside in Dublin on Christmas morning, toasting the event together with her mom.

“Cheers mam, I love you,” stated Ms Fuller (52) as she clinked martini glasses together with her mom Elizabeth (81) within the sand.

Ms Fuller, who travelled up from Carrick-on-Shannon to her dad and mom’ dwelling in Sandyford for the festive interval, was amongst dozens of individuals gathered on the swimming spot early on Thursday. Swimmers took their dips at Sandycove this 12 months as there have been excessive waves on the close by Forty Foot bathing space.

Her sister Katharine handed them each the glasses, which have been stuffed with “breakfast martinis”.

“We’ve been doing this for the last three years,” stated Ms Fuller. “The water was absolutely perishing. It’s warmer standing here. I started this as I swim in the river Shannon at home and my mum just went for it. She didn’t need any convincing. She’s kick-ass. Her attitude is the tattoo she has on her back, it says ‘live, love, laugh’. Life is short.

“We’ll go home now and shower at mum’s and have dinner later. Dad is at home making sausage rolls at the moment.”

Among these additionally taking the plunge have been Amy Alperin (56), from New York, and Shannon Levine (55), from San Francisco. Their households had travelled over to Ireland for the Christmas interval, together with their sons who’re in school at Indiana University.

“We just needed a challenge and a refresh,” stated Ms Alperin. “The rocks were the hardest part, they were tougher than the cold. I don’t think the water was nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be. It feels like New York in the bay area.

“If us old ladies can do it, anyone can. It was really fun. Meanwhile our 20-year-old old sons are sleeping in the hotel. We would do it again in a heartbeat. Next time, we’re bringing the boys.”

The associates stated they have been because of attend mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral however had no plans when it comes to Christmas dinner later.

“Maybe Chinese food?” added Ms Alperin. “We’re not sure what’s open so we didn’t plan anything.”

Ms Levine, whose ancestors hail from Ireland, stated: “We wanted a new start to the year and figure it’s a refresh. The water was really cold. I can’t feel my toes.”

Alva Quigley, and her prolonged household from Lucan and Terenure, described the water as “absolutely freezing”. Ms Quigley was because of host 9 individuals for dinner, together with a canine and a cat at, her dwelling afterward Thursday.

“We’ve been doing this for about three years but my sister does it every year and comes down swimming every year,” she stated.

“I swim once a year for Christmas, that’s it, that’s my lot. I like to swim just not in this weather. I was a bit apprehensive when I woke up this morning and even getting in. It’s home now, shower and breakfast and get the dinner ready and just relax for the rest of the day.”