Vibes & Scribes Lee Swim

The Vibes & Scribes Lee Swim is one of the top open water swimming events in Ireland. The course runs through the centre of Cork City, starting from a specially erected platform at the entrance to the old distillery premises on North Mall, swimming under all the bridges of the North Channel of the river Lee to round the Port of Cork Customs House Quay and swimming against the flow of the river as far as the Clarion Hotel and the finishing pontoon. The Vibes & Scribes Lee Swim is approx. 2,000m (1,700m downstream and 300m upstream). Most of the swimmers compete for age group prizes, some raise money for local charities and a good number just swim for the enjoyment of the day and the cheers of family and friends.

Originally held in 1914, the 2011 race was held on Saturday the 30th of July and  281 swimmers took to the slightly chilly waters of the river Lee. The race was won by Séamus Stacey from NUIM Devils in Maynooth while the first woman to finish was Ailbhe Carroll from Limerick SC. Tadgh Philpott’s family was represented in the water by 3 of his sons: Ted, Pat and Ger. They swam in memory of their late father, who gave so much of his life to swimming and in particular the Lee Swim. Ten swimmers can now claim to have taken part in all 7 Vibes & Scribes Lee Swim’s since 2005. Many undertook the swim for the first time. One notable Corkman was Pat Daly from the Lough, who overcame his initial apprehensions to finish first in his age group on only his first ever open water swim. Congratulations to him and all those who took part. There were thousands of people lining the quay walls to watch the swimmers race. Following the swim a very social atmosphere continued on the boardwalk outside the Clarion Hotel with various festivities into the night.

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