Freezbury 2023 - Pieta House

For the second year, a few of us are doing Freezbury for the month of February, with all money raised going to Pieta House.

The Freezbury challenge is to get into open, freezing water ( River or Sea ) everyday for the month of February. The time spent in the water is determined by the date. So for example;

February 1st = 1 minute in the water

February 14th = 14 minutes in the water

February 27th = 27 minutes in the water

We all appreciate all your donations, regardless of the amount. Last year we raised 1635 euro, this year we hope to break the 2000 euro mark.

Four of us will do the challenge everyday, and then the rest of the lads will join as frequently as they can.

The 4 lads going everyday are:

Dylan Lynch

Don’t be surprised if RTE news are reporting a whale on Bull Island in February, but don’t worry, it is just Lynch. What can we say about this man that isn’t too far? Most commonly known as the man who can drink a full 70cl in 4 drinks and despite going to the gym everyday, along with only ever eating chicken and rice, still amazingly looks like a tub of lard. We only wish that all the money we raise over the next month could be used to pay for his next knee surgery. He will be a valued member of the team but no amount of waffling will convince us he doesn’t perm his hair like a 14 year old everyday.

Barry Gray

Possibly the only man in the group who will need to wear suncream in February, Barry will certainly bring a lot to the group his year after completing the first half of his swimming lessons over the summer. His goal is not fundraising related however, he just wants the lifeguard to let him into the deep end next summer, and is using Freezbury to prove himself. A swimming hat will be mandatory for barry due to his hairline, but for what he lacks in hair, he also lacks in height, as he measured in at a stocky 4ft 3 inches at last years Freezbury combine. Some see Barry as the father of the group, and with his dad bod, he is certainly living up to that title. All in all, Barry is a pivotal member of the team.

Fionn Bergin

The third member of the panel but the 14th member of his family, his father once told him he would be disappointed if he didn’t have around 3 girlfriends at a time in college, it is fair to say that Jim Bergin has been disappointed with fionns returns of minus 3. However, it is probably a good thing as there is no more space at the Bergin family dinner. If anyone walking the area of Bull Island sees a 45kg ginger male in the area, it is not Ron Weasley, it is probably Fionn and he has most likely got lost or missed the bus, if possible, please return him to Gateway or VG17 in Larkfield, where he is happiest. We hope Fionn performs better this month than he did last last September against Kill.

Oisin Byrne

Mr Stocksport is best known for his egg throwing ability. He will probably take part in this challenge from the southside where he spends most his time. He has been on crutches more times this year than he has been in ryans this year which speaks volumes. Still reeling from the scrum loss in kavos and scoreless days marking our colleague Dylan lynch, we hope we don’t lose oisin in this challenge the same way we do on a night out.

Celebrity Guests that will join as much as possible:

Paul Deeny

Hesitant at first for fear of missing his 2025 graduation with a cold, the deenox has committed to freezebury part-time for the second year running. Infamously a J1 merchant, Deeny has been struck down in his prime (twice) from a mere Boojum bowl. In light of recent events, Deeny walks around on a leash attached to his honda civic, so that he does not wonder off without it. Paul has been referenced on trip-advisor as a strapping young man, but has somehow only been bench pressing 50 kilos since god was a boy. Recently engaged, we are glad paul has found the time to commit to this great cause.

Conor Duffy

Although he has the muscle mass of an unborn infant, Conor “Duffman” Duffy is a loved member of the group. The man who once hailed the interprovincial stage can now be seen more regularly sinking pint for the tullow 2nds. His uncle is Luke kelly but he doesn’t like to mention it. Started his 28 day gym streak back in 2021 and our projections show him completing it in the year 2050. Infamously poor chat with women. If Duffy learns to swim, he will brave the cold water that freezebury promises.

Eoin Colleran

A Roscommon man that seen his life peak on Stephens’s Day one year when his mother told him she will have low calorie Turkey for him next Christmas, he has been the face of Low Calorie – high protein food ever since. Regularly eats his protein puddings and leaves them on the floor for Micheal to clean, Which Micheal doesn’t mind, as Eoin carried him to a Connaught championship one time. Colleran now spends most of his time snapchatting the woman, facetiming the woman and thinking about the woman after his social life ended on December 31st.

Micheal Sugrue

Micheal ‘ my father is rich ‘ Sugrue is our 4th celebrity guest and he promises to get daddy to donate a considerable amount of money. Micheals poor hand eye co-ordiantion, which can be seen when marking Kerry’s Keith Evans, might mean he has to wear armbands. But, he wont wear goggles as that may effect the shape and texture of his hair ( wig ). Micheal will have to get to Bull Island in the car as he is banned from all busses since 2nd year, this platform wont allow us to explain why. Lastly, Micheal wont be attending the party on the last day of the challenge, as he fears he may exceed his 2 pint limit for such an occasion.

Davy Doyle

The man himself, the walking library. Davy pays rent to live in Shanowen but to be real about it, he probably couldn’t tell you what colour the walls are. On his first week back, he had library withdrawals and was involved in a high speed car chase involving aforementioned members of the group, Davy’s windows and Lynch’s anger issues haven’t been the same since.

Eoghan McAulliffe

The man with a CV to beat all. DCU GAA PRO, Class rep for Ireland’s hardest course, the only person McAuliffe answers to is Sean Drennan, his inspiration . Remember the name, McAullife will probably be Taoiseach by the time he’s 40, married by the time he’s 25 and have 35,000 LinkedIn connections by the time he’s 21. There will probably be a problem with this GoFundMe at some point throughout the month, McAuliffe will fix it.

Evan McAleer

The man, the myth, the legend, Evan Mcaleer. His cool calm and collected personality and shit tattoos will be joining us part time in the 2023 freezbury season. His soul purpose in life is to have a corner named after him in the local pub. Evan is our oldest member of the group, we recently celebrated his 40th birthday back in June. With his old age, has come two heart attacks which he has thankfully overcome, but will the cold waters of Maganey could be enough to kill this man off.

Luke Gorman

The alcoholic of the group, Luke will complete the challenge if he can manage to stay off the beer for just one month, unlikely but we can all live in hope. A poor man’s mick Gorman and the aldi version of Aaron Gorman, Luke hasn’t had it easy.

Ciaran Burke

When he's not going out for women , Ciaran Burke is actually quite good craic. Well known for his 3 points from midfield in a training match, which brought his career total to 3 points. Partnered Barry Gray in the centre for a mediocre carlow u15 rugby side, and the stress of coming up against Dylan Lynch gave the pair early onset baldness. Will most likely be completely his swims in Vico baths as he doesn't associate with the north side of dublin.

Shane Buggy

The Eire Og man has togged out for Carlow at fullback, but his coaches tell him he needs to "go faster", whatever that means. Competing with Baz Gray for least amount of eyebrow in the group. If you don't know his father, you're only kidding yourself. Has plans to be one of the boys brother in law. That is if he doesn't marry tender hooks cheese sauce first. He's a prime suspect in the 'Phantom shit thrower' case, but claims he's not that kinda guy. If you're looking for him, he's in Cafe Roma, enjoying life.

Bryan McMahon

Recent county champion, biggest day of his life was lining out alongside his hero Conor Crowley in the county final. We hope his body can hold up to the challenges Freezbury will throw at him, unlike some recent events, we will leave that there. Bryan does his best to keep up with Davy’s library times but a Tinder pick up line addiction is an obstacle.

George Hadden

Celebrity of the group, George Hadden will be togging out for Ireland in the u20s 6 nations over the month of February, but we hope to see his round rig in the water at some stage. Often drawing comparisons with Mike wasowski for his circular shape and baldness, it feels fitting he'll complete the look by pulling on the green jersey. Another man recently wifed up, but he still finds time for the boys. A big fan of the show family guy, probably because he finds comfort in seeing Peter Griffin, his real father, on the telly. Recently discovered cargos, wears them to bed. He's nearly as wide as his 08 yarris. Great lad, but fringe is fooling no one.

David McDonald

Wealthiest member of the group, will only be completing his challenge on the south side, crossing the border would be seen as too risky, missing a lecture would also stop this. Coming from a fighting background In killeshin he’ll be a hardened man to the cold sea. While part-taking in the challenge David may need to call some dating apps to care of college work while he’s gone.