by Evelyn Cullen
THE sun was splitting the rocks last Friday morning as local swimming club, Dunfanaghy Dippers, officially opened their new changing shelter, which they have hailed the ‘Dippers Den’.
But whether the sun is shining or it’s raining from the high heavens doesn’t make a blind bit of difference to this hardy bunch, who swim every day at 11am at Portnablagh beach, rain or shine.
Indeed, during the winter snow these last few years, you would still find a few brave dippers bracing the icy waters of Sheephaven Bay, and enjoying the craic while they were at it.
That said, the new shelter is a very welcome feature to their daily dip. It’s a place to put their dry robe when they’re in swimming, a chance to catch their breath after their swim, and perhaps most importantly, a space to enjoy a craic with one another without being blown away by the wild Atlantic rain and wind. And that’s exactly what it’s all about.
“We’re thrilled with our new Dippers Den” said Rosemarie Reid of Marble Hill, one of the main members of the group and chief entertainment co-ordinator of their social gatherings.
“It will make a huge difference to us now, giving us more pleasure while we change and chat” she added.
“Our group was started during the Covid years by only two people, Dr Lochlann McGill from Falcarragh and Jim Walsh, who lives in Dunfanaghy. It’s now grown to up to 40 and 50 people with members coming from Letterkenny and Magheroarty to enjoy the craic, the health benefits and the beautiful beach we have here” continued Rosemarie.
“The benefits of sea swimming are well known now, but our group serves a purpose far beyond that. The social aspect is a lifeline to many and we always welcome new people” she said.
Cathaoirleach of Glenties MD, Michael McClafferty, who played an integral part in securing the funding for the shelter, cut the ribbon to mark the special occasion.
“Well done to all involved in getting this shelter, a great addition to the area. Thanks to Kevin McCloskey, Water and Safety Development Officer of Donegal County Council who supported the initiative” said Councillor McClafferty.
Members of community group Donegal Sports Partnership (DSP), Karen Guthrie and Declan Boyle, also attended this positive community initiative. The funding for the shelter came through the sports partnership from government-led initiative, Healthy Ireland, the national framework for action to improve the health and wellbeing of everyone living in Ireland.
“We are delighted to have been able to secure the funding from Healthy Ireland for this shelter here in Portnablagh, as well as three other locations in the county including Mount Charles Pier, Maheragallon Pier and Ludden Beach, Buncrana” said Karen.
These four locations were allocated in a first round of funding, with a second round due to see further shelters allocated to other locations around the county, explained Karen.
‘It’s a good start” she said “and there’s more to come”. After the ribbon was cut, the group hopped in for their usual dip, after which they enjoyed a festive spread of treats, cakes, tea and even a refreshing glass of fruity prosecco.
Congratulations to the Dunfanaghy Dippers and Happy Dipping.
