Bandon Branch Irc

11/04/2026

Best of luck to Bandon Athletic Club today on the official opening. It’s a tremendous milestone for the club and a testament to years of hard work and vision. Well done to everyone involved.

⭐️ Bandon Athletic Club is proud to officially open our brand new track in Clancoolbeg on April 11th! 🎉
Join us from 2pm as we celebrate this exciting milestone, with speeches from special guests followed by a fantastic afternoon of athletics.
Don’t miss the invitational 1500m, relays — and keep an eye out… you never know who might be stepping into the circle to throw a hammer or two! 👀💪
We’d love to see you there to mark this special day with us!

**this is not an open sports event***

31/03/2026

Training tonight in Bandon, huge thanks to Bandon Parish for facilitating us.

23/03/2026

The dynamic duo, Pat & Margaret Fitzgerald, were honoured in The Mansion House in Dublin over the weekend for over 50 years of service with the Irish Red Cross.

We are extremely proud of this amazing couple. Always on hand to help, not just with the Irish Red Cross but many more community organisations.

Some couples build a life together; others build a better world. Pat and Margaret have spent over fifty years doing both with grace, courage, and heart.🥰

22/03/2026

Today’s duty was Bandon Grammar School's Tractor, Truck and Vintage Run, and what a brilliant day it turned out to be. We had great fun and it was a joy to see so many beautiful vehicles out on the road. A huge thank you to Robbie, Katie Jean, Anthony, Fiona and Olan for giving up their Sunday. 🚜 🚗 🚚 Irish Red Cross

17/03/2026

🍀 As it’s St. Patrick’s Day, we bring you… The Two Paddies 🇮🇪 🚑 Pat Barrett Paddy Murray Paddy Murray Auctioneers & Valuers Irish Red Cross St Patricks Day in Bandon

27/02/2026

Well done to one of our Cadets Molly Tyner. While most children were opening their presents Christmas Morning, Molly went swimming in Bantry Bay to fundraise for Temple Street, Children's Hospital.

This month we carry a heartwarming story of
Bantry’s Molly Tyner’s
Swim in aid of Temple Street
Children’s Hospital, to thank the
wonderful staff

26/12/2025

Still time to donate
https://gofund.me/e31f02844
📷 Mantas Griciunas

25/12/2025

🎄It was a record‑breaking year, with 429 brave souls taking to the water for the 49th annual Christmas Swim 🎅

⛄A new location didn’t dampen the spirit one bit, and it was wonderful to see so many familiar faces returning once again.

❤️One very special face was missing this year, Tony Healy, who was always there with a hot whiskey and a warm word. We missed you today, Tony, but we know you were looking down and keeping an eye on it all.❤️

🦌We have so many people to thank, and apologies if we’ve missed anyone. Our lifeguards, Robert and Paul Merrick, and our Red Cross volunteers Pat, Robbie, Roisin and Willie – events like this simply couldn’t happen without you. Kathleen and James Walsh, who year after year turn up to hand out hot whiskeys and hot chocolate, we are endlessly grateful. Thank you to Sharon, Mandy and Thomas for preparing the hot water and hot chocolate for all the cold bodies coming out of the sea.

🔔A huge thanks to our bucket collectors – Emily, Eamon, Mandy, Thomas, and Roisin. The final amount raised will be announced soon.🔔

🥛To Pat Dooly, the legend himself, for supplying the flasks, and to Irish Distillers for sponsoring the whiskey, thank you.🥃

☃️As the swim continues to grow, we want to acknowledge the two men who started it all 49 years ago – Liam Crowley and Gearoid O’Driscoll. And thank you to Robert Gabriel for providing our PA system.⛄️

Most of all, thank you to each of the 429 swimmers who entered and exited the water safely, and to everyone who showed up, helped out, encouraged, or cheered from the sidelines.

And of course, to Gearoid Holland, the most talented photographer we could ask for.
Wishing everyone a very happy Christmas.

https://gofund.me/e31f02844

This is Bandon

24/12/2025

🌲Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house🎄
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse…🎅

But down in Kilbrittain, by Harbour View’s shore,
There were whispers of swimmers and wetsuits galore.
For at 11 o’clock sharp on Christmas Day morn,
A brave crew would gather, all shivery and sworn
To plunge in the tide with a whoop and a grin,
For the 49th year of the great Christmas Swim.

The gulls were all gossiping, “They’re mad, every one,”
But the swimmers just laughed — sure it’s all part of the fun.
In aid of Bandon Red Cross and St Michael’s as well,
They’d leap into waters as cold as a bell.
With Santa hats bobbing and toes turning blue,
They’d shout, “Merry Christmas!” as only locals do.

Families cheered from the sand, wrapped up cosy and tight,
While swimmers emerged looking slightly more bright.
And though the Atlantic delivered its usual shock,
There was pride in each splash and each brave festive flock.

So as Christmas Eve settled on Kilbrittain tonight,
The sea gently sparkled in the soft winter light.
For it knew come the morning, with joy and good cheer,
The bravest of souls would be back for their dip —
Same time, different beach …
for the 49th year.

https://gofund.me/e31f02844

16/12/2025

Some of our members Sharon, Willie and Pat attending St.Michael's Centre Christmas party.

15/12/2025

🎄🌊 Christmas Swim 2025 – New Location! 🌊🎄

For safety reasons, this year’s Christmas Swim will move from Coolmain Beach to Harbour View. Join us on Christmas morning at 11:00am for the tradition, laughter, and festive spirit we all cherish.

💙 Donations are welcome through the link below – your support makes a real difference!

https://gofund.me/e31f02844

We look forward to seeing you there!

St.Michael's Centre This is Bandon Bandon Opinion/The Opinion

12/12/2025

Special duty today, bringing Santa to St.Michael's Centre.
Irish Red Cross