A civil servant has not only set a new record for long distance swimming, he has also put the Galway coastline on the international map.
The 24-mile stretch of water completed by Mr Feilim Ó Maoláin (42), from Dublin, between the Aran island of Inis Mór and Salthill can now be regarded as the longest cross-channel challenge, according to the Mayor of Galway, Councillor Val Hanley. The English Channel is 21 miles wide, the mayor noted yesterday, when he presented Mr Ó Maoláin with a piece of Galway Crystal to mark his achievement.
Mr Ó Maoláin completed the swim earlier this month in 14 hours and 59 minutes, arriving at Blackrock in Salthill. "It is a fabulous feat, and who knows if he may yet find his place in the record books," the mayor said. Mr Ó Maoláin, who works in Dublin City Council motor tax office, intends to give sponsorship raised for the swim to the Aran island lifeboat.
He had already participated in a relay between Inis Mór and Galway Bay in 1997, but was the first to complete the distance solo. He left Kilronan on Inis Mór at 8.30. p.m. on August 5th.
Accompanying him was the lifeboat coxswain and fisherman, Mr Paddy Mullen, who had worked with him to plan the route. Mr Ó Maoláin was supervised by an official from the Irish Long Distance Swimming Association, Mr Michael Bell, to ensure that he didn't touch the boat at any stage.Apart from fog, his only difficulty was with jellyfish.
"There were millions of jellyfish, but I was barely stung," he said. "I had anti-jellyfish cream but I have found that the best cure is to stay in the water and keep moving. Ten minutes later a sting that feels like a cattle prod has vanished."
