​Saturday was a day of records with Bernard Sweeney from Dublin completing the 25 km swim in a time of 6 hours 45 minutes 55 seconds and Ciara Doran breaking the 17 km record by 2 seconds in a time of 3 hours 56 minutes 18 seconds.

The accomplishment of these elite swimmers was however topped by 16 'novices' who only took up open water swimming in June and who completed the 5 km event.  These determined individuals completed a 10 week Couch to 5 km Swim Challenge run by Maureen McCoy an English Channel soloist and Paul McCambridge a North Channel relay swimmer in conjunction with Waterways Ireland; some with a little outdoor swimming or triathlon experience and others who had never braved the lakes before.

Over the course of the 10 weeks and under the expert tuition of Maureen and Paul, 20 participants focussed on developing their swimming skills, technique and endurance with the ultimate goal to complete the 5 km event.  A 5 km open water swim is not for the faint hearted, but with the enthusiasm and encouragement of the coaches these spirited swimmers took to the sport like ducks to water!

The group began their training in the relative security of the Share Centre bay, before moving to a "wild" swim location at Ely Lodge Forest, near Carrickreagh Jetty. 

In preparation for the big event and only nine weeks into training, on 29 July the group undertook their most exposed swim.  Accompanied by Darragh, Conleth and Kealan McCambridge in kayaks, 13 swimmers accompanied by Maureen and Paul entered the water at Trory Jetty for a 3.8 km swim around Devenish Island – the toughest swim to date.  The swimmers, accompanied on route by swans and a large heron, circumnavigated the island and returned to Trory with renewed confidence, ready to take on the 5 km.

One week later, the sun was out, and whilst nerves were increasing the group were in high spirits and keen to get swimming.  The 5 km swim began at Culky Jetty with all participants finishing their course at the Lakeland Forum.

When Ciara Doran who led the 17 km passed Culky Jetty, the 5 km swimmers spurred on by the cheers and clapping and chaperoned by the kayakers and paddleboarders from Erne Paddlers set off to complete their Couch to 5 km challenge. 

Their determination was rewarded when all 16 Couch to 5 km swimmers completed the distance, with Jenny Brewster winning bragging rights over husband and former Fermanagh GAA star Tom by crossing the line one minute before him.

Finishing the course, Tim Fagan, said, "A year ago, I would have laughed at anyone suggesting I could do a 5 k swim. I just needed a bit of a push! …it was inspiring to see the longer distance swimmers and consider what the next challenge might be."

Speaking after the event, Maureen McCoy said, "Outdoor swimming is not about times and distances, it is about exploring and enjoying, it can become an adventure in a morning, an afternoon or evening.  It is about being connected and immersed; time and distance covered are secondary to the senses and sensations encountered.  This, particularly for less confident swimmers, is reassuring and comforting.  There is no need to record and compare times and distances, instead it is about marvelling in individual progression and achievement.  To really experience what we are doing, at the time of doing."  Maureen continued, "Paul and I really enjoyed taking the course, the Share Centre proved a perfect starting venue and Devenish a challenging pre-event swim.  We were delighted so many swimmers took part and achieved more than they expected they would."

John Boyle from Waterways Ireland who initiated and supported the programme was delighted with the success of the initiative and said that he hoped that this would be the beginning of a new impetus towards open water swimming on Lough Erne.  He thanked the ILDSA for their support and for showcasing Lough Erne as a recreational venue for all types of water sports.  John congratulated the group on their achievement and wished them success in their intention to continue and build on their endeavours by establishing an Open Water Swimming Club in Fermanagh to introduce the sport to more people in the district. 

Lough Erne with its beauty and abundance of islands to explore is the perfect location for swimmers.  Open water swimming is suitable for all ages and abilities and as this year's novices reflect on their achievement, next year no doubt they will be spurring on the latest recruits to the sport.

For more information on the 'Couch to 5 km Challenge' please contact swimfree4@gmail.com.

Anyone interested in being part of Fermanagh Open Water Swimming Club please contact roisin.macrory@waterwaysireland.org