Hi,

My name is Feargal Bracken and I love a quick winter swim whenever and wherever I get the chance. Nothing serious, just a quick leap in and a few lengths for the craic...My mates generally slag me for going on about it and me yacking on about how great it is for the head and all the rest!!

On 5th January 2023 our family was rocked by our eldest brother Declan's suicide, a word I found I could not say for 6 months after. He had lost his battle and there is not a minute goes by that we don't think of him. Our Da, TC, passed away just 4 months later, so 2023 has been a difficult one, and the sea dips have helped for sure.

I, along with my brother Michael, wanted to do something worthwhile to benefit two charities that do so much for families affected by either cancer or suicide, all whilst doing what we like to do ourselves, and those daft enough to join us. So, we have decided to take on a challenge of a tour of the country and do a quick December / early January swim (usually around 10 - 15 minutes for suitable swimming locations) or dip in every county along our full Coastline, and with just the usual togs, gloves, hat and boots on (whilst swimming of course!!).

I started at Salthill in Galway on 1st December, Dunmore East in Waterford on 2nd Dec with Baginbun in Wexford and Bray in Wicklow next on 3rd Dec. Portmarnock in Dublin, Bettystown in Meath and Clogher Head in Louth were up next on Sunday 10th, along with Mick, with Ballybunion in Kerry and Glin in Limerick completed on 22nd December. White Strand in Clare on St Stephen's Day was wonderful, followed by Tullan Strand in Donegal, Tullaghan in Leitrim and Mullaghmore in Sligo on 28th December, all with Mick, and others who joined in along the way. The Dock Beach in Kinsale in Cork on New Years Day was next for me, with the beautiful Old Head Beach in Mayo completing my 15 Republic Of Ireland coastal counties on 2nd January 2024.

Mick completed an incredible 12 counties between 26th December and 3rd January 2024 to also hit the 15 coastal counties in ROI completed. Nothing like a challenge, and a deadline!!

We hit Derry (Benone Beach), Antrim (Portstewart Strand) and Helen's Bay in Down on 4th and 5th January 2024, completing what we think are all the coastal counties of the island of Ireland before having our last dip in the only county that doesn't touch a county that touches the sea (Laois of course!!) on Saturday 6th January 2024, at the Catholes in the Sliabh Blooms (R32R1X7) at midday, on the day of Dec's first-anniversary mass. This is the 19th county!

So, in aid of both Laura Lynn, and of course Pieta House, we hope that you may give what you can to these charities that do so much to help those in need.

We completed the last dip as planned on 6th January 2024 and raised just over €12,000 in total, thanks to everyone for their kindness and generosity throughout.

Regards,

Feargal & Mick