Camlough’s Colleen first woman from Province to swim North Channel

by
Micheal McKenna
August 9, 2014

A south Armagh distance swimmer has become the first woman from Northern Ireland to swim across the North Channel.

And, not just that, Irish champion Colleen Mallon, from Camlough, came close to setting a new record.

Colleen, who has previously swum at Rottnest, in Perth in Australia, and at Lake Windermere in England, completed the gruelling challenge in a fantastic nine hours and 56 minutes – just 21 minutes short of the record set last year by American swimmer Michelle Macy.

Newry and Armagh MP Conor Murphy, who also lives in Camlough, paid tribute, describing it as a “marvellous achievement”.

“Colleen and, indeed, the Mallon family are fine ambassadors for Camlough and for sport,” he said. “They are recognised nationally and internationally for their sporting achievements. We all are very proud of Colleen’s solo North Channel swim.”

Colleen’s swim began in Donaghadee and supporters were waiting in Scotland to welcome her ashore after successfully swimming through the 21.4 miles of the notoriously difficult waters.

SELB defends decision over transport cuts to four South Armagh schools

Hundreds attend Keady homecoming for bronze medal boxing hero Sean Duffy

Cross-party panel expected to respond to Gillis Unit relocation plan

‘Shared education’ bid for Armagh expected to be resubmitted shortly

Planning application to open airsoft facility at disused quarry withdrawn

SELB schools to benefit from £4M minor works investment