Swim Dreams Delivered: Imelda's Mission

(JJ Hurley)

Tracton’s Imelda Lynch is set to once again conquer fear of the water in 2026, guiding swimmers along the shores of Oysterhaven with her popular classes.

What began as lessons during Covid has grown into the thriving ‘Oysterhaven Bunch’, now boasting 270 adult swimmers and almost 400 children in the junior ranks.

For Imelda, there is something very special that draws people to sea swimming – therapeutic, even.

‘People tell me they have taken up sea swimming for all kinds of reasons, besides health and fitness, but also to relieve stress, grief, or just even for a little headspace,’ she said.

Nervousness is natural, but the Oysterhaven setting has helped many overcome their fears.

‘Swimmers have overcome their fears in Oysterhaven in the company of other swimmers, who are just as nervous,’ she said. ‘These fears are overcome more easily in a group setting and with the encouragement of others.’

A qualified swimming coach since the age of 21, Imelda was the first woman from the Rebel County to swim the English Channel in 2005.

She has since coached numerous successful Channel crossings, including those of Danny Coholan, Eddie Irwin, Ray Terry, Liam Maher, Finbarr Hedderman, Rob Bohane and Lisa Cummins.

Currently, she is training her latest team – Katherine McCarthy, Shea and Frea McCarthy, Niall Dillon and Con Walsh – who will attempt the Channel as a relay group in August.

For Imelda, it is an exciting time, and she hopes it will inspire others to follow in their footsteps.

The success of sea swimming in this South County beauty spot has been captured by Lorraine Hogan, a local multidisciplinary artist and member of the swimming group.

Entitled Sea Scape, Hogan’s production aired at the Indie Cork Film Festival in 2025, leading to Imelda receiving a Pride of Cork Award.

Her contribution to swimming has been formally recognised with two inductions into the Ireland Swimming Marathon Hall of Fame: first in 2020 for crewing and then in 2023 as an Honour Swimmer, as her reputation continues to rise as an instructor of note.

From easing beginners’ nerves to coaching Channel-bound swimmers, Imelda Lynch is proof that a little courage – and the right guidance – can turn a bucket list dream into reality.

Imelda lynch, seen here on the left, with another set of swimmers she's helping to complete their dreams