Cork Table Quiz

The Cork version of SleepSwim's diabolical table quiz was held in the South County, Douglas last Thursday night, attracting an exotic array of very brainy swimmers, musicians, athletes, educators, card-players and friends.  Surmounting various interrogative hurdles as naming monotremes, the number of Michael Phelps' gold medals, the world's largest island or all five children visiting Willie Wonka's Chocolate Factory, an intelligent "Poco Piu Mosso" won out against a tied "Team Viola" and one of the two confusingly-named Judean teams.  A monster raffle produced a number of lucky happy punters as well.

In total the night raised €1,132, a great achievement to all participants and to those who donated even if they couldn't attend.  All of this will go straight to Marymount Hospice and St Vincent de Paul, two very worthy charities.

Lots of thank yous again - Liam Maher for acting as question-master and taking the blame for the tough questions. The South County for the venue, food and raffle prize. Bernard Lynch at Centra Crosshaven, Cork Coffee Roasters, Bramley Lodge for sponsoring prizes, as did Fota Wildlife Park, Source Health & Fitness, Old Killarney Cottages, The Shelbourne Bar, Catherine Sheridan, Liam Maher and Alan Craughwell. The staff of Glounthane NS also did great fund-raising and I am very grateful for their support. I hope I didn't miss anyone there - a very well done to all.

Galway Table Quiz

Last night, 11th May, team SleepSwim held a table quiz fundraiser in Lohan's at the roundabout in Salthill, Galway.   A very intelligent crowd showed up on the night, ready to answer all variety of challenging and bizarre questions.  In total 13 tables battled it out for prizes of wine, chocolate and vouchers for cakes.


It was neck and neck for a long time, but then the Food & Drink round allowed team "2swimmers2 gingers" to nudge ahead of "The Zoomers" super-team and claim victory.  A mega-raffle for 20 prizes allowed many who found that the questions didn't suit them to walk away with something interesting, useful or alcoholic.


In total the quiz night and other donations raised €1,232 for St Vincent de Paul's vital work in the Galway region.  The Cork quiz is Thursday 24th May - please come out and support SVP and Marymount Hospice. The pressure is on Cork now to beat the Galway totals..

A big thank you to those who turned out on a lovely sunny evening - lots of swimmers, paddlers, musicians and relatives of Riana.  Thanks also to Quiz master Alice Parsons, helpers Riana & Ciara, and to all those who provided gifts for the prizes & raffle - especially Lohan's, Sheila's Hostel, McCambridge's, River Deep Mountain High, Briar Hill Vet Clinic, The Great Outdoors, Gourmet Tart Co, Catherine Walsh, Orla Parsons, Aengus Parsons, and all the Blackrock Swimming Ladies.

Swimming for a cause

I will be using my swim to fundraise for two very deserving charities.  I will be running some events in the coming months, but I have also set up webpages where you can donate from the comfort of your computer at home.  So if you enjoy following this blog and want to do some good, then please consider a donation.  Thank you.

Marymount Hospice

St Patrick's Hospital, Marymount is a Cork institution that has helped countless people over the past 140 years.  They provide essential caring services for the elderly, and palliative and hospice care to those with life-threatening illnesses.  They do great work. You can support them here.

Society of St Vincent de Paul

The SVP deal with the poorest and most deserving in the community, on a personal and basic level.  They provide an essential safety net for those who fall through the cracks of welfare, and are a strong voice for equality for those without power or influence.  You can support them here.