The Lough Mask Swim Challenge

The second Lough Mask Swim takes place on September 5th 2010 and again will prove a tough challenge and a great goal for swimmers from throughout the country.
  The swim will start on the shores of Lough Mask outside Paddy’s bar Gortmor Tourmakeady at 1pm sharp, the swimmers will swim diagonally across the lake passing Devenish Island on the way to Cushlough bay some 8k away.
Last year strong winds and big swells made the going tough for the swimmers and kayakers with 14 of the 25 swimmers only braving the conditions to make it across, this year the change in direction should suit the prevailing winds of West South West which are normally prominent at that time of year.
The organising committee welcome all swimmers to have a go providing they pass the obligatory test days. During the tests the swimmer must be accompanied by a kayaker who will also be scrutinised as safety is a big issue for such an open water swim. Training sessions will take place every Wednesday evening at 7pm at Cahir and Cushlough.
All proceeds raised will go towards the Corrib Mask rescue boat; their volunteers will also patrol the lake on the day and will have all safety procedures in place. The Red Cross ambulance and a number of local boat men will also help.

A special cup will be presented to the first swimmer across the lake by Cecil Johnson, Baron of Kilmaine, and Commisioner to the Chief of Clan Johnstone of Johnson Hall, Flint Hill, Stanley, Co Durham. This cup will be in honour of the late Monsignor Shannon and will be known as the Friendship Trophy for the Winner of the Lough Mask Swim”.
  This will be a perpetual trophy and the recipient each year will get a replica to keep. Tri lakes TC would like to thank Ballinrobe & District Anglers for their help with the swim.

Entry
To entry please fill out entry form. Participants have 2 choices pay €70 or else collect €250 euro and the entry fee is waivered, sponsorship cards are available from Damien O Malley 0861015950.

Obligatory Test.
Due to the nature of this swim its obligatory for all swimmers to attend one or both test days, the swimmers Kayaker must also attend, as this swim is as hard for the swimmer as the kayaker.
Test evenings
• August 18th at Cahir pier Ballinrobe, swim start at 7.30pm 3 laps of 1 mile circuit.
• August 18th at Paddy’s bar Gortmor Tourmakeady, swim start at 7.30pm it will be a 2.5k swim to a marker in the middle of the lake and back Total 5k
This swim is a Swim Ireland sanctioned event, all swimmers must be a member of swim Ireland and ideally a member of a Triathlon Ireland club.

For more details see www.trilakestc.com