Great Scot! Epic swim planned

A determined group of fitness enthusiasts from a small coastal town in Ireland is preparing to tackle one of the most demanding feats of endurance sports: swimming a relay of the North Channel of the Irish Sea from Bangor to Scotland.

The 42.2km point to point is known for its cold waters, stronger currents, and unpredictable weather conditions.

James McDevitt is a member of Virginia Triathlon and Cycling Club and it was after a group of locals cycled the Giant's Causeway, looking over in the distance at the Mull of Kintyre, the southwesternmost tip of Scotland's Kintyre Peninsula, that the pedals in his mind began turning to a completely different task.

It was mentioned to others, and before anyone could be talked out of it, at least 10 had signed up with Bangor-based Infinity, a company that organises the logistics for those keen to push their endurance levels to the maximum.

The Virginia swimmers are scheduled to attempt the crossing in June 2025. They've been given a week block, and must be ready at a moment's notice. All depends on weather, tides, and other conditions such as jellyfish swarms, particularly Lion's mane, one of the largest known species that commonly bloom in the English Channel, Irish Sea, North Sea come the late summer months.

Two boats will depart, each with a maximum of five on each, carrying supplies and a team of experts to ensure the swimmers' safety.

The Bangor to Scotland swim route is part of the World Seven's Series, seven swims from country to country. However, it is the only one ignominiously titled 'The Beast' giving its particularly gruelling nature. Even in June water temperatures average between 10-14°C (50-57°F), significantly colder than most open-water swims in the region, adding an extra layer of difficulty.

“It’s a personal challenge, a test of mental and physical strength,” says Jim, who has completed various triathlon, ironman events and the Gaelforce Great Fjord Swim.

“Some of us were looking for different challenges. You can't do triathlons forever, that level of training, but still do something that keeps our minds focused. Some will do 10km, others will swim for as long as they can. The idea would be to run a relay system and we've been speaking to people who've already done it. The sea if a different animal.”

James grew up on the coast, but remarkably never took to swimming until he moved to Cavan. He found his place with the Virginia Triathlon and Cycling Club, and has been a key member since, helping push their 'Try a Tri' initiative, to encourage more people to participate safely in local lake swims.

Paraig Smith has been a member since 2010 and has done triathlons, half ironmans and marathons. He most recently competed in the New York Marathon.

What convinced him to swim from Ireland to Scotland. “That fella beside me,” he laughs, pointing at James.

“We did the Causeway Cycle and it was looking over, I thought it wasn't that far. I said it to [James] but before I could finish I could see the wheels in his head already spinning.”

Paraig swims about three to four kilometres in Lough Ramor in the summer months. Coming into winter that distance drops by half with the mind focusing on the “cup of tea” back at shore.

“It's something different. Plus, you're doing it with people you know want to push it, and that pushes you too.”

The likes of Jennifer Doonan has swam the length of Lough Ramor every summer, around seven kilometres in distance. Triathlon is her “thing”, but she's of swimming stock. Her mum Lily Morrow from Milltown used to teach children of all ages, including her own, how to swim. When Jennifer and her siblings were old enough, they too were cajoled into giving lessons.

Jennifer is passionate about lake swimming.

“Mam learned to swim in lakes and taught all of us, and dad was a great man for the water. I think it must be a genetic disposition.”

The North Channel is a massive challenge for anyone but the experienced Jennifer says: “I just love the water, it's my happy place”.

“I do my best thinking in the water,” adds Jennifer. “We'll all help each other through this, and see where it takes us.”

The group would like to use this effort to help a local charity raise funds, and are looking for interested parties in need to approach them.

They've been heavily involved in fundraising before, most recently in memory of the Virginia Triathlon and Cycling Club's late secretary, David O'Connell, when they raised money on behalf of Epilepsy Ireland and Diabetes Ireland.

They'd also like to use this opportunity to encourage others to join the local group, if not on the swim across the channel, in braving the frigid waters every Sunday morning at Lough Ramor at 9:30am.

“It starts with turning up,” laughs James. “That's it. Then it about getting your head and feet in the water. That's the easy bit, and every week do a little bit more.”

For more details about Virginia Triathlon and Cycling Club see their pages on social media.