Every Christmas there is an annual Christmas swim in the lovely Island Wood, Newmarket. It commences after mass on a freezing Christmas morning at approximately 12:30. About 12 people go into the river. When they are submerged in the frigid river, they have a collection for the various charities. Mary Stack presides over it. When they come out, there are refreshments for the brave swimmers. A lot of people attend and support them and people donate a generous amount of money. I think I will take part next year.  The money last year was given to the Simon Community and the Newmarket Juvenile G.A.A club. They change the recipients every year.

by Jerry McCarthy