Swimmers

Maite Zuzaeta

“It has taken me 19 years to build up the courage to swim in the Irish Sea .  I’m a weak swimmer and don’t have the best breathing/stroke technique but every time I’m improving.

For me the swim is a symbol of how far we have come since Johnny’s spinal cord injury. This time last year I could barely look at the spots in the seafront where Johnny would have swam without crying and grieving for what we had lost.  Well, this year Johnny is swimming back in the sea and I’m doing it with him!  Nothing will ever be the same but as a family we are overcoming obstacles by doing things a bit differently.  I want my girls to grow up not being afraid of the sea but having the respect it deserves. We are so privileged to live in one of the most beautiful parts of Ireland with such wonderful natural amenities and it is just there for everyone to enjoy.”

Laura Wood

When Johnny originally asked me about doing the sea swim this year, he told me that I was second choice, so I immediately thought…right that’s it, I don’t care if he’s disabled, I’m going to leave him trailing in my wake..and then I heard it wasn’t a race (-;

On a serious note though, I’ve really enjoyed the training for this swim. I NEVER swim in the Irish Sea so got a right shock the first time that we swam in the water (even with a wetsuit on) but after the initial shock began to really enjoy the peace, tranquility and lots if thinking time that it as provided for me while all the time helping to get me fitter and more confident at sea swimming. To be honest it has become slightly addictive and I hope to keep it up once the challenge is finished…the fact that it is for such a great cause helps too. I will say one thing though, if my swimming companions don’t stop mentioning jellyfish (and Irish Sea infestations) I won’t be responsible for my actions (-;

Liz Dillon

I am not a swimmer and I can’t remember the last time that I swam in the sea. I hate putting my face in the water and I normally only swim the breast stroke! This challenge is very much out of my comfort zone. My fitness levels would not be great but the support that I have received from friends and fellow swimmers has been fantastic.

I am doing this swim because I wanted to do something for Johnny and his family after meeting Johnny’s mum’s Lydia one evening at her house, her positivity was really inspirational when she was talking about Johnny, Maite and her grandchildren. I walked away from her house thinking what an amazing women she was. About a week later I saw Johnny in Shoreline swimming and I was really inspired by his determination and positivity. When a friend told me about the swim and suggested that I ‘try and go for it’ my response was why not! So here I am,loving  the training and the craic, hating the jellyfish, seaweed, and swallowing the Irish Sea.

Emma Finucane

“Swimming is the one sport I enjoy taking part in. I love swimming…in a nice clean safe, pool!  Up until I had my two children (6 years ago now) I was swimming at least once a week…..in a pool. I have always loved the sea and as a child took part in all the water safety events on the North Beach and in the Harbour here in Greystones.  I have always wanted to return to the sea but with time the fear took over.  Fear of the cold and fear of the unknown. I am not comfortable going to far out…I worry about being dragged out to sea, why? I have no idea,  as for the thoughts of jellyfish or any other unknown nibbling creature …urgh.

I agreed to do this swim for Johnny, Matie and family. I have very little to overcome in comparison to them. The least I can do is get over my fear of open water swimming. I am so glad to be taking part. I love the fact my children will watch and learn from this event. I feel there is so much to be gained from this event, not only for Johnny and family but for the whole community especially as it plans to turn into an annual event in Greystones.

Wayne Hayden

Swimmers Coach: Edel Mullholland

Edel swam competitively from a young age competing at both a national and international level. Her best events were always the longer distances so moving to open water swimming was a natural progression. It was here Edel found her true passion for swimming. She has achieved fastest time in the famous  Liffey swim and has competed in open water swims of varying distances.