The Irish Triple Crown of open water was announced in 2021. It consists of Galway Bay, Fastnet and North Channel.
As many of you know I started my marathon swimming career long before 2021 and long before the Triple Crown was announced. I had completed Galway Bay back in 1986, at the age of 16 the same year I represented Ireland and the inaugural World Cup Long Distance Swimming Championship. This was a pivotal event in the history of marathon swimming as the first 25km held under the auspices of FINA. It was also a pivotal event for me.
Everyone adopted me – the youngest competitor, and from Ireland meant I was much loved and supported. When I finished 9th legends of Open Water such as Alison Streeter told me you could swim the English Channel. Before that moment I had never even considered that this was a possibility…
However the English Channel is another story….
So back to the Irish Triple Crown…
All of these three swims are a wonderful journey into Irish history, geography, beauty and the special warmth that comes when you combine not just people passionate about the ocean but generous spirited Irish people who love adventure and the craic.
I was fortunate to be presented with the Crown in Donaghadee – somewhere very close to my heart and home. Lots of swimming there, the start of many North Channel attempts and the infamous Copelands swim and of course where I got married (as did my parents). Had I realised exactly how seriously stunning the Crown was I would not have turned up in my “leisure wear” when it was presented- (it was handy however for climbing onto the pier) I can fully understand why the Crown is kept under lock and key when not at key events or being presented.
My work colleagues were keen to see me wear it at work – however that was not be!
The Crown does come out at the Annual Irish Long Distance Swimming Association Awards which I look forward to attending in the future – I already have the perfect dress to match the Crown!
The Irish Long Distance Swimming Association (ILDSA) of course present it in style make sure you have momentos at home. The famous Stephen Redmond certificate, a medal for each swim and one for the Triple Crown and finally a gorgeous etched glass trophy. I have these displayed with pride.
I was the third person to be awarded the Crown after the 2021 recipients – David Conradie and Elaine Burrows Dillane and Chris Judge joined me in 2022 as another recipient.
I think my record of time to complete the Crown – 36 years may be hard for anyone to beat! Evidence that open water swimming isn’t just for Christmas – but for life!
IrishKiwiSwims 
Very inspiring
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