President Catherine Connolly Joins Annual Swimmers Mass
In one of her final official engagements before her inauguration, President Catherine Connolly joined fellow swimmers and water enthusiasts at St Mary's Church in The Claddagh for the 15th Annual 'Swimmers Mass' on Saturday. As a dedicated swimmer and regular attendee, President Connolly led the public representatives, including Mayor Mike Cubbard, in this meaningful event.
The November Mass, organized by Dr. Dom Colbert, was a tribute to swimmers and others in the city who had passed away in the past year. Celebrated by the Prior of the Claddagh Church Dominicans, Fr. Matthew Farrell OP, and Fr. Tim Mulcahy OP, the service was filled with emotion and reflection.
The congregation, which included many familiar faces from the 10 am Saturday Mass, was welcomed by Joanie Fallon, who read out the names of those swimmers who had died in the past year. The service featured readings by Laura Darby and Mary Colbert, and Paddy McNamara addressed the congregation after the Gospel.
As tradition dictates, the event concluded with hospitality at the Galway Bay Hotel, hosted by swimming group member Dan Murphy. Dr. Colbert, a long-time daily swimmer in Salthill, delivered a powerful message after Holy Communion, reflecting on the sanity of swimmers braving the Atlantic in winter.
"George Bernard Shaw's description of Ireland as an 'open-air lunatic asylum' comes to mind," Dr. Colbert smiled. "But seeing the happy, contented faces of swimmers climbing out of the water reassures me of their sanity."
Dr. Colbert emphasized the profound sense of well-being, accomplishment, and mutual care that swimming provides. "I've never met anyone who regrets having a swim," he stated.
Dr. Colbert also highlighted the importance of men opening up about their emotions, noting that the "caring that swimmers give one another" is a powerful expression of love, similar to the bonds found in close-knit communities.
The liturgy was beautifully accompanied by the music of Frankie Colohan and Carla Merrigan, with Galway Bay featured at the end of the Mass, a fitting tribute to the spirit of the swimmers.
Other public representatives in attendance included Minister Hildegarde Naughton, Senator Rónán Mullen, and Councillors Mary Hoade and Helen Ogbu. The event was captured in a photograph by Joe O'Shaughnessy, featuring President Catherine Connolly, Senator Rónán Mullen, Cllr. Mary Hoade, Cllr. Mike Cubbard, Mayor of Galway, Dr. Dom Colbert, Cllr. Helen Ogbu, Mary Colbert, and Fr. Matthew Farrell OP.
