Perfect conditions for Boyne Swim
The 7th annual Boyne Swim hosted by Drogheda Triathlon Club took place in perfect weather conditions on Saturday, with 260 swimmers taking part.
The event started in Mell and continued under all the bridges of the historic town including the Boyne Viaduct before finishing at the Boyne Fishermen's boathouse.
Awaiting the winners were magnificent trophies commissioned by Drogheda Port Company and designed by local Ronan Halpin, now based in Achill Island.
The Boyne Swim organising committee worked hard over the past year putting together a wonderful event that showcased Drogheda and the beautiful River Boyne.
This year’s swim saw 260 swimmers from all corners of Ireland and beyond take on the 2.7km course and compete in both skins and wetsuit categories. The event is now well established on the National Open Water Swim calendar and a qualifying race for the Liffey Swim, hosted Leinster Open Water Swim (LOS).
First swimmer over the line this year and winner of the Junior Male trophy was 17-year-old Finn O'Neill representing ESB swim club in a time of 31mins 30 secs.
In second place overall, Donnacha O Siadhail of Meath Masters in a time of 32mins 50 secs, and thus winner of the overall Senior Male trophy.
Sixth out of the water and winner of the overall Senior Female trophy was Charlotte Reid, Aer Lingus Swim Club in a time of 35mins 30 secs.
Caoimhe Doyle, Drogheda Swimming Club (DSC) was 8th out of the water and overall winner of the Junior Female category in a time of 35 mins 47 secs. Drogheda Swim Club is becoming a force on the national swim scene and the club is growing from strength to strength.
Colin Lowth, a past winner and another longtime supporter of the event, was fourth out of the water and the overall Senior Male wetsuit winner in a time of 33mins 47sec. Colin has recently won the national open water 2.5K championships in Lough Lene, Co Westmeath.
Drogheda Swimming Club had a clean sweep in both the Junior Female and Male wetsuit categories. Testament to the dedicated work of the swimmers and their coaches whose long hours of coaching/training are really starting to pay dividends.
Junior Male Wetsuit category, First: Eoin Lumsden in a time of 38mins 18 sec, Second: Aoidhri Mc Groddy in a time of 38mins 45 secs and in Third place: Aidan Martin: 39mins 40 secs.
Junior Female Wetsuit category First: Caoimhe Doyle 35mins 47 secs, Second place: Aoife Mc Groddy: 35mins 48 secs. Third place: Sadbh Pentony 39mins 06 secs.
The youngest male swimmer on the day and one to watch for the future was 11-year-old Matthew Corkery, St Vincent's Water Polo Club, who swam with his father Patrick Corkery.
Organisers have expressed their thanks to all who supported the event including Drogheda Port Company, Louth County Council, Aura Leisure, Boyne Fishermens Rescue & Recovery team, Drogheda Coast Guard, Drogheda Fire Brigade, the Red Cross, volunteer kayakers and Drogheda Triathlon Club members.