TWENTY months after setting out to circumnavigate Ireland’s coast by sea Henry O’Donnell will return to dry land this weekend.
Saturday marks 597 days since the Donegal man embarked on his mission to become the first person in history to finswim a country’s circumference.
With over €46,000 raised for the Irish Cancer Society and Water Safety Ireland, Henry will finish where he started – on Carrickfinn Blue Flag beach.
Speaking as his expedition vessel passed Arranmore Island yesterday, the 58-year-old said it had been a tough but rewarding journey.
“It has been a hugely challenging expedition, probably one of the most difficult I’ve undertaken. With it being a finswim, it is totally dependent on sea conditions. But almost every family in Ireland has been touched by cancer in some way and to hear some of the extraordinary stories from people around Ireland’s coast, that really helped us. When you have a parent asking if you would swim for their child who has terminal cancer, it becomes very easy to find that extra mile.”
Raising awareness of the work of the Irish Cancer Society was central to the project. But so too was promoting water safety and as patron of Water Safety Ireland, President Michael D Higgins took a keen interest in the swim’s progress.
Henry in full stroke. He says he is looking forward to a rest and getting to see Donegal take on Cavan on Sunday.
Reflecting on some of the more difficult moments he encountered along the way, Henry said, “There were times during the colder months when it was tough going. The coast of Donegal was challenging, particularly Tory Sound and up around Malin Head.
“Blasket Sound and down around the Skelligs were difficult too but it was all about planning and about getting it right. Ireland’s coastline is fabulous but it can also be formidable.”
Henry said he owes much to Ireland’s coastal communities who supported him at every opportunity. Absolutely key to the expedition’s success was his team who kept him mentally afloat all the way.
“The goal was always to remain consistent day after day after day, to remain focused and motivated. The team was great in that respect because I know that when I was in the water they were suffering too. It is tough to be out there on a vessel for hours on end, moving so slowly. The expedition wouldn’t have happened without the team I had behind me.”
Donegal’s own Aqua Man stops for a quick break.
If all goes according to plan Henry will step on to Carrickfinn beach at 2pm on Saturday. And after a night’s rest he hopes to be in the stands for Donegal’s clash with Cavan on Sunday.
“I’m just looking forward to getting back into the community and linking up with my family again. It will be nice to get back to normality, I’m looking forward to a good rest and hopefully I’ll get to the match on Sunday.
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