Dozens of Gardai and soldiers joined members of the public to take the plunge into the freezing waters of Lough Swilly this morning.
Many wore their uniforms while others donned fancy dress to raise vital funds for the Special Olympics.
With the water touching freezing temperatures, only the bravest of the brave stripped off to plunge into the freezing waters off Rathmullan Pier.
Participants were joined by The Ryans, finalists in this year’s RTE television Show, Ireland’s Fittest Family.
Dad Danny Ryan even offered a €5 prize for whoever stayed in the waters for the longest time but there weren’t too many challengers!
One man who did rise to the challenge was former Irish Olympic marathon runner Danny McDaid who stripped down to his shorts and plunged into the freezing depths.
Seamus Campbell of the Donegal branch of Special Olympics Ireland revealed how they managed to raise around €6,000 from today’s event.
All the money raised will be given directly to the Irish Special Olympics team who travel to Austria next week for the winter games.
Sgt Peter Duffy braving the icy waters of Rathmullan.
“It was a great day and a lot of people came out to support us. It was freezing but we had a great occasion. So many people helped out in so many ways.
“It took a lot of courage to jump into the sea at this time of the year but it was for a great cause and it will go directly to our athletes competing in Austria soon,” he said.
As well as soldiers from the 28th Infantry Battalion at Finner Camp, Gardai from Milford, Rathmullan and Letterkenny also took part as well as the Mulroy Coastguard and the Sheephaven Sub-Aqua Club.
Food was supplied by Dougal’s Pizza, Coffee Time and Rathmullan House, Belle’s Kitchen sponsored the best-dressed prize while local man Cormac Fegan did an excellent job as compere for the day.
It’s getting bigger and better so we’ll see you all there again before Christmas!
See another post on Donegal Daily for full picture coverage of today’s event.
