Cannon Kenneth Ruddock,
winner of the race in 1947 counted some memories of his
experience of completing the historic swim. "I remember several aspects
of the long race. The Liffey and all its bridges were very familiar to
me because I went to school at the King's Hospital in Blackhall Place
near where the race began from a Guinness Barge. I never liked the smell
especially when the tide was out! The water was not very clean at the
beginning of the race but as you swam down towards Butt Bridge the
saltiness of the incoming tide was quite clear. It was quite frightening
going under O'Connell Bridge as it is a perfect square 50 yards in
length. All that you could see in the hazy distance was the rounded arch
at the other end. Also, as the race was coming to the end, the splashing
of the swimmers trying to win was very loud.
After
the race was over I was feted by some people in the Four Provinces
Ballroom in Upper Camden Street, I think. The cup was presented to me
once again. The following day when I returned to my hometown of Carlow,
I was met at the train station by members of the Carlow Swimming Club
who gave me a hero's welcome home. Later the chairman, Jimmy O'Neill,
who had given me excellent support and advice, arranged for a
presentation dinner in a local café. I received a lovely chiming clock.
The chimes still ring out in our lounge and remind me at times of that
evening in 1947 which stands out in my life. Naturally my mother, who
was present at the function, was very proud as were other members of our
family, together with the local people.
I was one of the very few swimmers from outside Dublin to win the
race. The National and Leinster Times in Carlow carried an
extensive coverage of the event in one its summer editions that year. I
think that I am one of only two other people who later were ordained
priests of The Church of Ireland who won the race. When I returned to
our boarding school, the then Headmaster gave me permission to attend
training sessions for prospective Irish entrants to the Olympic games
but unfortunately I did not make the grade.
At
a reception for the 75th anniversary race of the first running of the
race, we past winners were feted by the Lord Mayor of Dublin at a dinner
in the Mansion House. I knew Pat Condon who won second place the year I
won. I had never met the person who was third. But I do remember him
saying to me in a humorous vein when he saw my clerical garb that there
must have been holy water in the Liffey in the year I won! This is all
part of the fun of swimming and of the happy memories which transcend
and overcome all barriers and divisions."
Source:
Ask About Ireland
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