Retired broadcaster Tracy Piggott has completed a solo underwater charity swim across Galway Bay in four hours and 45 minutes.
The 60-year-old former racing pundit set out from Finavarra Point in Co Clare at 1pm today and arrived in Salthill in Co Galway at 5.45pm.
Ms Piggott described the 14km swim as “hugely demanding”.
“It was pretty rough out in the bay today but I had a great team rooting for me. I feel tired and wobbly and the visibility wasn’t great but it fantastic to see all the swimmers there waiting for me when I came in,” she said.
Ms Piggott first undertook this same challenge in 1998. She knocked an hour and 15 minutes off her time 28 years ago.
Tracy Piggott completed the challenge, knocking one hour and 15 minutes off her previous swim
“Well, I trained very hard and really put in the hours, which was crucial at my age. It’s a physically and mentally challenging quest, an underwater endurance swim across Galway Bay,” she said.
The swim was in aid of the Sensational Kids charity with whom Ms Piggott is a long serving ambassador.
She said funds raised throughout the campaign will help reduce the cost of therapy services for families most in need and help remove financial barriers.
Tracy Piggott with her team members Michael Delano and Dara Bailey
“I chose to do this swim because I truly believe every child deserves the chance to reach their full potential.
“Sensational Kids is doing incredible work to bring vital therapies within reach for children who need them most, and I wanted to push myself to the absolute limit to support that mission. Every donation, no matter how small, will make a genuine difference in the life of a child,” Ms Piggott said.
The Boyne Fishermen’s Rescue and Recovery Service served as her support crew throughout her training, providing expertise, reassurance and practical assistance that were critical to its success.
On the day of the challenge, Dara Bailey supported Ms Piggott. He was responsible for navigation, safety, and working with the tides, wind, and the ever-changing sea state.
Ms Piggott said: “The Boyne Fishermen’s Rescue and Recovery Service have been much more than a support team; they have been a vital part of this journey.
“However, I am delighted to have Dara Bailey, a seventh-generation fishermen, as my support crew today.
“He was crucial in the successful completion of the challenge. Without his commitment on the day, it would not have been possible.”
Tracy Piggott in the water in Galway Bay as part of her challenge
Founder and CEO of Sensational Kids Karen Leigh congratulated Ms Piggott on the achievement.
“What Tracy has accomplished today is truly inspirational. Her courage, commitment and determination have captured the imagination of people across Ireland and shone a spotlight on the challenges many families face in accessing essential therapy supports for their children.
“We are incredibly grateful to Tracy for choosing Sensational Kids as the beneficiary of this remarkable challenge. Every euro raised will help us continue providing life-changing therapy and support to children with additional needs and their families when they need us most,” she said.
Ms Piggott’s underwater Galway Bay crossing hopes to raise up to €500,000, which will directly help reduce the cost of therapy for families, provide subsidised or free services to those who need them most, and support the reintroduction of hippotherapy in County Kildare.
Hippotherapy uses the movement of specially trained horses to support children with neurological, developmental and sensory challenges, improving balance, confidence, strength and emotional connection.