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Ireland goes wild about swimming
http://www.irishtimes.com/blogs/gallery/files/2012/08/Guillamene.jpgKevin O'Sullivan, Editor, The Irish Times: "When mackerel chase shoals of sprat close to shore it usually coincides with sustained sunny weather and warmer water. Equally, a grim day in September may contrast with warm water after a good summer." Pictured at the Guillamene, Tramore, Co Waterford: Dick McCarthy, Pat Purcell, Frank Flavin, Jim Bell, Veronica Purcell and Noreen O'Hanlon. Photograph: Patrick Browne.
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Ireland goes wild about swimming
http://www.irishtimes.com/blogs/gallery/files/2012/08/SARAHVARIAN.jpgSarah Varian, founder Marine Dimensions, a non-profit organisation dedicated to marine environmental education and conservation (marinedimensions.ie): "Gleesk harbour was, and still is, a favourite, with one of only three coral beaches in Ireland. Swimming here you can see this rare site of the Maerl, or skeletons of red seaweed, which forms the offshore reef."
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Ireland goes wild about swimming
http://www.irishtimes.com/blogs/gallery/files/2012/08/SALLYMcKenna.jpgSally Mckenna, publisher of the Bridgestone Guide and trainee kayak instructor for Atlantic Sea Kayaking in West Cork: "Sea water offers you waves to dance in, rocks to jump off, fish and seaweed to snorkel through, sand to get between your toes and salt to tangle your hair and dry on your face. It's magic."
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Ireland goes wild about swimming
http://www.irishtimes.com/blogs/gallery/files/2012/08/OliviaOLeary.jpgOlivia O’Leary, journalist and broadcaster: "I like to swim on my back treading water and looking at the things around me, or back towards Mount Leinster. Water is my element. I just love it."
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Ireland goes wild about swimming
http://www.irishtimes.com/blogs/gallery/files/2012/08/MICHAELMcGlynn.jpgMichael McGlynn, Composer and Director of Anúna: "I love getting on my bike on a crisp winter’s morning and cycling from Stillorgan to Seapoint, swimming for about fifteen minutes, drying off then back on the bike and stopping at Cavistons for fresh fish afterwards. Life doesn’t get better than that."
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Ireland goes wild about swimming
http://www.irishtimes.com/blogs/gallery/files/2012/08/Marywhite.jpgMary White, founder Blackstairs Ecotrails (blackstairsecotrails.ie) and former TD for Carlow and Kilkenny: "Water is simply exhilarating, as there is no stress on the joints. For me, it is not about swimming distance, it is all about the element itself. The secret is, of course, to always have the togs in the car otherwise you just have to go in ‘without the textiles’."
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Ireland goes wild about swimming
http://www.irishtimes.com/blogs/gallery/files/2012/08/GarySmith.jpgGary Smith, Sales Manager, swimmer and water polo player for the Guinness team: "My greatest joy in the world is getting into the sea with my wife swimming by my side, so that when I take a breath I look across to make sure she is beside me."
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Ireland goes wild about swimming
http://www.irishtimes.com/blogs/gallery/files/2012/08/DanLavery.jpgDan Lavery, founder Long Line Surf School, Benone, Derry, Northern Ireland (longlinesurf.com): "I grew up around Benone Beach, so I have always swum here, and even though I spent a few years in Cornwall at the Surfing Academy in Newquay, wild swimming in some amazing spots, this part of the Northern Irish coast really has something special in terms of caves and coves - especially up around Portrush, Mount Temple and Dunluce Castle."
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Ireland goes wild about swimming
http://www.irishtimes.com/blogs/gallery/files/2012/08/bridgethealy.gifBridget Healy, co-founder Café Paradiso, Cork: "I think I would die if I didn’t swim. Take Squince Beach, from which you can swim out to Rabbit Island. It is a total privilege to swim there and at all these other places. Because they are whole other worlds that nobody has spoilt."
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Ireland goes wild about swimming
http://www.irishtimes.com/blogs/gallery/files/2012/08/Bobbykerr.jpgBobby Kerr, chairman, Insomnia Coffee Company: "When I swim, I love the initial shock of the cold water. It’s like the best wakeup call you can get. I am a 'Wham, Bam, Thank You Ma'am' swimmer, just jumping or diving in straight away."
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Ireland goes wild about swimming
http://www.irishtimes.com/blogs/gallery/files/2012/08/SILEniChoaonaigh.jpgSíle Nic Chonaonaigh, presenter TG4's Garraí Glas: "I grew up in An Spidéal right next to the sea, so I've loved the water since I was very young. It's the first thing I remember loving, actually feeling passionate about."
