Just hard going right from the off

Round Ireland SwimIn the first of a series of diaries, Seán Kenny follows the first attempt to swim around the Irish coast

Sunday, July 2nd

The sun shines on Carrickfinn beach, Co Donegal, as the Mullaghduff Flute Band play. Overhead, an Irish Coastguard helicopter beats out its own rhythm. Hundreds of well-wishers watch from the strand as the six members of the Round Ireland Swim team - Ian Claxton, Nuala Moore, Henry O'Donnell, Anne Marie Ward, Ryan Ward and Tom Watters - make their way into the frigid water of the Atlantic. They will attempt to become the first swimmers to circumnavigate the Irish coast, travelling clockwise over 1,300km.

It's an emotional day for Moore, simultaneously daunting and exciting.

"A lot of sacrifices have been made for this. You're looking at people who expect you to do the swim successfully and you hope you can. You're not ruled by logic at that point, looking at the beach."

Sea conditions are choppy. A strong northeasterly wind prevents the team from taking full advantage of the tide. It's "a tough, tough first day", in Moore's words.

The team arrive at Downings pier in Donegal around nightfall to be greeted by supporters, members of their land-based support crew and the odd bemused local.

Monday, July 3rd

The second day brings very strong winds. Rogue waves abound, making life difficult for the team. "We have to kick a lot harder and expend more energy in those conditions," says Anne Marie Ward. "It makes our breathing more difficult as well. Most of us could only breathe to one side because of the waves and the wind, so it was pretty tough."

After Sunday's sense of occasion, the nuts-and-bolts reality of the expedition is setting in. The days are long. Rest and early nights are essential. Food is fuel: protein bars, energy drinks, carbohydrates.

Team morale is good. "We knew it was going to be tough, but we've trained for this. The team has gelled extremely well over the last year or more," says Anne Marie Ward. The swimmers arrive in Greencastle, Donegal, in the evening.

Tuesday, July 4th

There is a perceptible drop in water temperature as the expedition enters the North Channel. However, conditions are calm.

Jellyfish make their presence felt in a literal way. Some of the team are stung. Jellyfish are like the charity subscription collectors who loiter on the streets of Dublin: they appear out of nowhere and then move in for the sting. It's an occupational hazard for sea swimmers. Sea lice are also proving a source of discomfort.

Despite this, Moore's outlook is positive. "Nobody went to do this thinking they were getting on an elevator. It's bloody hard work. But none of us would be here if we didn't think we could do it. It's definitely feasible. We're delighted our bodies have been coming up with the goods."

Wednesday, July 5th

The North Sea water is still cold as the team sets out down the east coast of Ulster from Cushendall, Co Antrim. Helped by a favourable tide, the swimmers make good progress on a glassy sea.

Claxton is pleased with the distances being covered in smoother conditions after the rough waters of Sunday and Monday. "It was cold, but weather conditions were ideal. There were only a few waves, unlike Monday when some of the swimmers and support crew felt sea sick from the swell."

He is accompanied by a dolphin for part of his swim and has several close encounters with jellyfish. The team are counting their war wounds. "We've got sunburn, aches and pains. I've got a few cuts and raccoon eyes from the goggles. You just have to go with the flow and hope the weather stays good," says Claxton.