Hardy souls in Kildare raise funds for mural
Some of the swimmers are ready for the plunge, with supporters looking on at a safe distance from the freezing river
TEN hardy Kilcullen residents braved the chill of the St Patrick's morning Liffey during the Sponsored Swim organised by patrons of the Spout Bar to raise funds for the Kilcullen Heritage Wall mural, commissioned by Kilcullen Community Action (KCA).
They were Patricia Byrne, Tony Gahan, Gary Mulhall, John Langan, Susan Langan, Eoin Houlihan, James Byrne, Gary O’Shaughnessy, Tomasz Gil, and Nicky Langan.
KCA has expressed thanks to Patricia Byrne, who came up with the idea, and to all who braved the elements and took to the Liffey on the morning. "Thanks also to the Canoe Club for allowing us to use their wonderful facilities and to all who turned out to support the effort," said KCA's Noel Clare afterwards.
Earlier in the weekend, a large crowd attended a KCA Table Quiz held at Fallon’s of Kilcullen, where the establishment using every available table and chair into service to accommodate the turnout. Ray Kelly acted as quizmaster, with questions set by local historian Joe Kelly. Special thanks were extended to Sean and Patrick Kelly of Fallon’s, along with all their staff, for their support on the night and for providing finger food for participants.
The KCA initiative will be a striking feature at the Newbridge Road entrance to the town, complementing several other artworks around Kilcullen. The artistic team that won the commission tender, All Out Design, has developed a theme that incorporates local history, heritage, nature, and the environment.
It is hoped to have the piece in place in the spring.
