The conditions were perfect in Carrickfergus as the swimmers started to arrive at the sailing club at 1900. 11 in total turned up with 10 of those doing the 1k and a solitary 1 doing the 500m.

As the buoys were laid out 125 metres apart there was the usual "Nervous excitement" you get before any open water swim and as the starting time drew closer the "Why am I doing this" look become more prominent!!

After the mandatory safety briefing the swimmers started to gather at the slipway as Billy,Sheena and myself made sure that everyone was aware of how many laps they were swimming and in what direction!! So at approx 2000 hours the race began and with the usual flailing of arms and legs they headed around the first buoy.

Straight into the lead was Keith Ross closely followed by Gerry Meehan, Robert Barry and Keith Campbell. In the ladies race the experienced Ruth Butler immediately hit the front with Iryna Kennedy (Complete with her usual never say die attitude) also swimming well.

As they finished the first lap keith Ross was now being punished for his quick start as Meehan, Barry, Campbell and Ross Gillespie all overtook him with Gillespie in particular swimming very well.

On the 3rd lap Gillespie then started to pull away from the other 3 and with nothing but clear water between him and the finish line romped home to win in a time of 17min 46sec. The fight for 2nd place was cracker indeed with Gerry Meehan and Robert Barry stroke for stroke as they headed down the final straight.

In the end up Meehan just pipped Barry to the Buoy with Keith Campbell finishing 4th. Ruth Butler as expected won the Ladies race with Iryna Kennedy coming in second. Andrea Morrisey, the only swimmer in the 500m unfortunately didn't finish but has vowed to return next year when I have no doubt she will prevail!!

The presentations took place upstairs in the sailing club where Sheena and Billy thanked all the swimmers for their efforts and the sailing club for their excellent safety cover.

Carrick results

Ladies

1st) Ruth Butler 20.04

2nd) Iryna Kennedy 30.06

Men

1st) Ross Gillespie 17.46

2nd) Gerry Meehan 18.07

3rd) Robert Barry 18.08

4th) keith Campbell 18.13

5th) David Craig 18.55

6th) Simon Mulderig 19.08

7th) Keith Ross 19.13

8th) David McCartney 21.54