Hardy swimmers again defied both reason and icy temperatures for their annual Christmas dip off the 40-foot near Dun Laoghaire today.
Up to 100 bathers of all ages braved the waters at the 40-foot and in Sandycove. They were cheered on by less courageous onlookers.
As charities collected donations at the scene, local TD Mr GV Wright said everyone prepared to take the plunge should also be prepared to hand over at least one euro to the Royal National Lifeboat Institute in recognition of its important work in saving lives at sea.
Earlier today, two canoeists got into difficulty in strong winds just of the 40-foot. They were able to raise the alarm by shouting for shore.
Marine rescue services were called and the inshore lifeboat was sent to the scene. The canoeists, however, had made it to sure uninjured.