Seven things: Inspirational Donegal figures receiving national attention

Paddy Conaghan: Most Inspiring Award nominee

Paddy Conaghan (82) swam in every port and beach along Ireland’s coast this year, raising over €100,000 for charity. 

From the age of 17 to 80, Paddy, who is from Arranmore Island, didn’t swim at all. But in 2020, his friend set up a free counselling charity in Dungloe, called Gemma’s Legacy of Hope, and Paddy wanted to help raise some funds for them. He decided to do so by going for swims all around Donegal. He started going down to the local beach every day.

“It didn’t take me long to get back into the swing of things,” says Paddy, “So instead of going around Donegal, I decided to do the whole of Ireland. He raised over €100,000 and last winter he chose to take on the whole endeavour, known as the Ducking and Driving Charity Challenge, again, raising a similar amount for a clutch of charities in each province.

“I loved the training, travelling around the coast with the most breathtaking scenery, and meeting the most amazing people,” he says. Paddy was also blown away by people’s generosity. Many gave him food and hospitality, while others took time out of their day to show him around the beaches. When his van broke down, one couple even lent him theirs!

“There was good in every day, and I would finish my day off with a wee whiskey or a pint in the local pub,” he says. His parting wisdom for us? “We only have one shot at life, so it is up to us to enjoy it and make the most of it.”