A blind man from Co Cork man has recently spoken of his delight after he completed his challenge of swimming three kilometres across Cork Harbour.
The man named John Shanahan from Midleton completed the grueling task all so he could raise money for a number of charities. Mr Shanahan said who tragically lost his sight in recent years and said he took on the task because he wanted to repay those who helped him during his difficult time, he further explained that without the support of the National Council for the Blind in Ireland (NCBI) and the Irish Guide Dogs his future would be very difficult.
Mr Shanahan completed his challenge along with 40 other swimmers who took to the water at East Ferry near Cobh swam across to Lower Aghada.
Mr Shanahan told The Evening Echo: “I am delighted to have finished, To be honest when I first got in the water I said there was no way I could do it and wanted to get out. But fair dues to my support team they encouraged me to just do the first kilometre and after that I really liked it.” “The middle third was the best I started to get tired towards the end and was glad to be back on dry land. My guide Gary kept me going in the right direction.” “I only swim in the leisure centre pool so this was very different.” John also said that he could never have completed the monumental task without the support of his family, friends. “The guys in the water kept me going, having the banter and encouraging me. I’ll definitely do it again next year.”