Green Island Swim – 1983

Connacht Tribune 30th September, 1983 p.3K

Kinvara Swimming Club’s Green Island Swim was held later than usual this year. Nineteen keen competitors lined up for the start at Kinvara Pier on an overcast September afternoon. However, if bright sunshine was lacking there was no want of excitement as the men’ s race provided the most thrilling finish in the history of the competition for the Toddie Byrne trophy. Paul Monahan led the field at the half-way marker at the Green Island but as he headed for home on the last quarter mile stretch he was passed by last year’s winner, Pat Quinn. With a hundred yards to go the holder of the trophy was still in the lead. But by this time Pat’s schoolteacher and club veteran, Stan MacEoin had also passed Paul Monaghan and be succeeded in drawing level with his pupil. With twenty yards to go teacher and pupil matched stroke for stroke but neither of them could pull himself ahead of the other, and at the end of the half mile race both touched the finishing wall simultaneously. The ladies race was won convincingly by the holder of the Paddy Geraghty Trophy, Miss Elva Bermingham. Second was Caroline McCormack while there was an exciting battle for third place between Michelle McCormack and Laura Kelly with Ms. McCormack just touching before Ms. Kelly.