The Liffey Swim returns to the original course through Dublin city and is won by Mick Fitzpatrick.
The Liffey Swim dates back to 1920 and is returning to its original stretch of the river through Dublin city centre.
For the last three years, due to water pollution, the race has been held on a new up river course at Islandbridge. This year satisfactory Liffey water samples allow the race to revert to the former route, starting at Watling Street Bridge.
First into the water and eventual winner is Mick Fitzpatrick.
A member of the Half Moon Swimming Club, 47 year old Mick Fitzpatrick beat Derek 'Bimbo' Wilkes of North Dublin into second place. Another Half Moon Swimming Club member, Paul Emmett, took third place.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 21 August 1980. The reporter is Michael Lally.
