Almost 30 years ago, in 1993, Caitlín Ní Lórdáin organised the first White Bay Christmas Day Swim in aid of Cork Simon. Since then, it has grown to become one of the main events on the Christmas calendar in East Cork and beyond. Caitlín talks about how the success of the swim is thanks to the efforts of local community and how the swim has in turn bonded her community.

“If you do things through the community, it is successful.

The swim started as family and neighbours, and it has grown to generations of people now. It is great for a community to give, because what you give, you get back in multiple ways. We have a small community with a huge heart and the success of this whole event really is the work of many hands.

I'm very proud to be part of the Simon Community as well as my local community.

You could be from the wealthiest or poorest family, regardless of background, all it takes is one little twist of fate. We are all the same, we have our joys and sorrows, we could end up wealthy or homeless.”

Caitlín discusses why community fundraising is so effective...