It's a cliche but very much a fact of swimming life that competitors take on the physical challenges of the annual Irish Times Dun Laoghaire Harbour swim "because it is there". Sunday's men's and women's Blue Ribands of sea races have attracted record entries and features seasoned Channel swimmers. An entry in the women's race swam around the Island of Jersey - a 40 plus mile doddle - only two weeks ago.
The Dover to Calais brigade will be represented by Ciarain Cassidy and Ann McAdam both of the newly formed Phoenix club. Cassidy goes off at 14 minutes, almost four minutes ahead of scratchman Shane Moraghan of Half Moon. Pace, rather than the 1,850 metres distance, will be of primary concern for Cassidy whose son Colm is off at 10 minutes 15 seconds.
Mother of six Ann McAdam has only recently completed the Channel swim in under 14 hours. She is set to enter the water at 5 mins 15 seconds, fully five minutes ahead of the back marker and holder Rachael Lee of the Guinness club.
Then there is Lisa Howley of Glenalbyn fresh from her around Jersey swim and poised to impress although giving the early starters a lead of over seven minutes.
Working on the handicaps has proved the most demanding of tasks for Joe Browne, himself a former winner. The almost haretortoise like variations in standards to be found among the combined 285 bumper entry have been expertly accommodated, so much so that forecasting a winner in either event would be next to impossible.
The big questions are: can Shane Moraghan overcome his 17 minutes 40 seconds handicap and join the elite band who have won the event from the back mark? Can former winners Jackie Kiersey of Viking, Paul Emmet (Half Moon), Nick O'Meara Clontarf, Bert O'Brien (Sandycove), Arthud Dunne (Half Moon) and Tony Cruise (Terenure College) give repeat performances from better positions? Will Lisa Howley's unquestionable strength and persistence suffice to deny the holder Rachel Lee or can Sandra Trappe of Dublin SC win a third title? Can indeed RTE crime reporter Paul Reynolds steal the show from the 10 minute 15 seconds mark following a convincing season, in the men's event?
A special guest on this occasion will be Jack Cassidy of Clontarf, the winner of the 1950 race.
The action gets under way with the men's race at 4.30 followed by the women's event at 5.30.
