Rounding Mizen and the company of dolphins prove uplifting

Round Ireland Swim DiaryAt long last it seems the tide has turned in the team's favour, writes Seán Kenny

Thursday, July 20th

The team head out from Kinsale into a misty Celtic Sea. Large waves and a southwesterly wind combine to make it an uncomfortable day. For Ian Claxton, "It was like doing a weights session, with the waves crashing over your arms, pressing on your arms. Sometimes you couldn't get a proper stroke and it was hard to take a breath to the right."

The water surface is relatively warm, and this attracts hordes of jellyfish. Even when they don't sting, their presence can be a source of discomfort. The swimmers face a choice between placing strain on their necks by scouting ahead for jellyfish or keeping their heads in the water and taking their chances. One of the team happens upon a sign floating in the water. "No Pedestrians," it says.

Friday, July 21st

It is raining, visibility is poor and there is a heavy swell. The expedition puts out to sea from Glandore, Co Cork, but must return to shore early. Progress has been slow and conditions are close to compromising the safety of the boats.

The lumpy swell has some of the team feeling woozy in the boats.

Claxton has noticed a difference between Ireland's eastern and southern waters: "Off the south coast there's a big, flowing swell, as opposed to the choppier conditions off the east coast. There's more volume in the waves here." The team have two days off to rest aching limbs.

Monday, July 24th

The week begins with frustration. The Celtic Sea remains inhospitable, providing another big swell, which limits progress.

Re-establishing a rhythm after two days off is difficult for Nuala Moore. Resuming the fight against the tide is "like going back to work. Mondays are my worst day."

Adverse conditions have brought the team together, though. "There's probably a bigger team spirit now than there was two weeks ago, because it needs to be there now," she says.

Tuesday, July 25th

For once, conditions off the south coast are good. Calm water and a favourable, fast tide enable the team to reach their target point just east of Mizen Head early. On the way, they pass Fastnet Lighthouse, which perches on the bit of rock that is Ireland's most southerly point. The southern leg of the expedition has been testing, so today is a tonic. "Last week it was two strokes forward, one stroke back, whereas today was great," says Moore. "The flow was back and we loved it. It lifts you mentally. You're not fighting it; you're allowing yourself to go with it."

The team stay overnight in the west Cork village of Crookhaven, where they receive a warm welcome from locals.

Wednesday, July 26th

The landmarks are building up like stamps on an old passport. An RTÉ news crew film the team as they round Mizen Head, the mainland's most southerly point, in the morning. Conditions around the head can be treacherous, but the cameras have caught the sea in picture-postcard mood.

The swimmers again benefit from a good flow, achieving fast speeds.

Tom Watters is happy with the day: "Energy levels were good. We powered through every stint we did." A pod of curious dolphins appear in the afternoon, coming within touching distance of an expedition boat.

Their prowess in the sea makes a strong impression on Watters: "The dolphins provided a bit of inspiration when the muscles were beginning to tire. Their speed and power was inspirational."

kennyseanf@yahoo.co.uk