Swimmers of all ages and abilites take part in the 90th race down the Liffey through Dublin city centre.
The Liffey Swim first took place in 1920. This year, over 350 men, women and children take part in the 90th running of the event. The swimmers, ranging in age from 10 to 70, were warned of the risks of disease from swimming in the river water. Undeterred by the risk of E coli, Weil's disease, hepatitis, and cryptosporidiosis, the swimmers took to the waters of Dublin's main river.
Many of the swimmers take part to raise money for charity, but 12 year old Charlie McCarthy says he is taking part because he has nothing else to do.
The Liffey Swim first took place in 1920, and this year celebrates its 90th year.
The 2010 Ladies Race was won by Deirdre Dunne from St Vincent's Swimming Club, and the men's race was won by Brian O'Dwyer from the Guinness Swimming Club. Speaking on his win, Brian admits that it wasn't easy, but it took heart and effort. For Brian, swimming is an exclusive sport in that you don't have to be an elite athlete to compete and win.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 11 September 2010. The reporter is Paul Reynolds.
