Laois brothers hit by double tragedy are swimming in every Irish coastal county
Pieta House and Laura Lynn fundraiser by Bracken brothers from Portlaoise
Two Laois brothers whose family was hit by a double tragedy in 2023, have taken on a big swimming challenge this month.
Feargal and Michael Bracken have set themselves the goal of taking a swim in the cold seas around Ireland, one county at a time, ending with a dip in the icy Catholes waterfall in the Slieve Bloom mountains.
It is all to raise money for two charities that support people affected by suicide, and by cancer.
The Portlaoise family was hit by tragedy first on January 5 2023 when their oldest brother Declan died suddenly in England.
Just four months later, their father Tom (TC) passed away. Tom had founded the well known family business Bracken's filling station on the Block Road now run by his son Kevin Bracken and family.
Feargal explains further.
"I love a quick winter swim whenever and wherever I get the chance. Nothing serious, just a quick leap in and a few lengths for the craic...My mates generally slag me for going on about it and me yacking on about how great it is for the head and all the rest.
"On 5th January 2023 our family was rocked by our eldest brother Declan's suicide, a word I found I could not say for 6 months after. He had lost his battle and there is not a minute goes by that we don't think of him. Our Da, TC, passed away just 4 months later, so 2023 has been a difficult one, and the sea dips have helped for sure," he said.
Watch below as Feargal braves the sea in Waterford with his son.
"I, along with my brother Michael, wanted to do something worthwhile to benefit two charities that do so much for families affected by either cancer or suicide, all whilst doing what we like to do ourselves, and those daft enough to join us. So, we have decided to take on a tour of the country and do a quick December / early January swim or dip in every county along our full Coastline, and with just the usual togs, gloves, hat and boots on (whilst swimming of course!!)," he said.
Feargal Bracken taking the plunge in Salthill, Galway.
"Our plan is to have the last dip in the only county that doesn't touch a county that touches the sea (Laois of course!!) on Saturday 6th January 2024, at the Catholes in the Sliabh Blooms at midday, on the day of Dec's first-anniversary mass. If our geography is right, that will be the 19th county," Feargal said.
Proceeds of their online fundraiser will be given to the Laura Lynn children's hospice, and Pieta House. Begun in December with a target of €3,000, it reached €2,657 by December 20. Link below.
"We hope that you may give what you can to these charities that do so much to help those in need. Give a shout if you want to join in along the way. We will be posting some updates as we go," he said.