Record-breaking Paddy swims the Shannon!

A Coosan man earned a place in the record books at the weekend when he became the first Irish man to swim the length of the River Shannon.

Paddy McDonnell conquered the longest river in Ireland on Saturday, having set off on his mission on May 24. Since then, he swam an average of eight hours a day, apart from a couple of rest days.
His journey has taken him from Dowra in Cavan to southwest Limerick, a journey of 245 km over 14 days.
Paddy took in Athlone, Clonmacnoise, Shannonbridge, Banagher and Portumna, before finishing in Limerick on Saturday afternoon where the champagne was flowing.
“It was an experience anyway. Lucky enough nothing went wrong,” he told the Westmeath Independent. “I don't think it's hit me yet.”
“It was nice to get finished. I did most of my best swimming in the last day,” he added.
Despite the tough task he had just completed, he felt great as he crossed the finish line. 
“I felt good,” he said. This was partly due to his excellent training and preparation plan.
Paddy is raising money for the Irish Cancer Society, Pieta House, Riverside Soccer Club and Cloghan Hall Development Fund. He is hoping to raise €4,000 in total - €1,000 for each.

All donations are welcome and can be made via his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/paddyshannonswim/.

 

READ PADDY'S STORY IN THIS WEEK'S WESTMEATH INDEPENDENT, OUT NOW.