A long-distance swimmer from Leitrim has swum the length of Lough Allen. Mr Kieran Fitzgerald completed the nine miles over the weekend in aid of Irish Water Safety, setting a new record.
A veteran of English Channel and Straits of Gibraltar swimming, Mr Fitzgerald has also completed the Manhattan island crossing and the waterway between Rottenest island and the Australian coast.
Long-distance experts regard inshore lakes as more treacherous than sea crossings, due to the variable weather conditions.
Mr Fitzgerald had swum in Lough Allen nine years ago, but navigated the full distance this time from Corry strand between Dowra and Drumkeeran to Wynne's pier in his native Drumshanbo. He completed the crossing in four hours, 48 minutes.
"It got slightly choppy in the middle, but otherwise conditions were ideal," Mr Fitzgerald said.
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