When most people were recovering from ringing in the New Year last Thursday a group of charity fundraisers from through the county were preparing to take part in the annual swim at Galloon jetty outside Newtownbutler.

Over 30 participants plunged into the water of Lough Erne to do their bit to raise much needed funds for local charities.

Now in its 17th year the event has raised over one hundred thousand pounds from charities throughout the country. This years worthy charities were the local Defibrillator group in Newtownbutler and The Chest Heart and Stroke charity.

A large crowd turned out to cheer on the swimmers who described the water as been the coldest in years. John Fitzpatrick organiser congratulated the swimmers for turning out in such cold weather and he thanked local publican Seamus Corr for refreshments at the jetty and later in his premises he also thanked the Erne Rescue and Search team who were on stand by to oversee the event.