A Lust for Life Shannon Swim

21/09/2024

Dermot’s struggle with suicidal thoughts led him, now that he is in a much better place, to fundraise for Pieta. Because he knows how important it is to help other people facing su***de ideation and self-harm, and families grief-stricken by su***de. People can donate to Pieta on Dermot’s page here or by googling floflodermo :

Hi. I'm Dermot Higgins, a.k.a. Flo Flo Dermo. I’m attempting to become the oldest and fastest person to swim the Shannon, Ireland's longest river. The speed record stands at 14 days and the oldest person was 56. I plan to begin my attempt on 12 September in the village of Dowra, Co Cavan and finis...

14/09/2024

Floflodermo Shannon Swim launch at Drumshanbo yesterday evening.
What a delight it was for me to be surrounded by family, friends eminent politicians, Pieta representatives and happy campers who just happened to be in the area.

We were delighted also to have John Bierne I have Emerald Star and Sean Wynne of Lough Allen adventure centre in attendance..

Hopefully the publicity garnered from the launch will assist in filling the Pieta. Ending Su***de. Beginning Hope coffers.
We still haven’t reached the magic €3000 mark.

https://www.idonate.ie/event/floflodermo

All donations are greatly appreciated!

05/08/2024

Wonderful 4k swim today with Lanesborough Tri Club. I made the long journey to the midlands as I think I’ve done enough swimming races in Killiney and I needed a change of scenery.

It was great also to make new friends. Everyone I met today in Lanesborough, both swimmers, support kayakers, jet-skiers and boatmen as well as the great team of organisers were extremely friendly and hospitable.

Ger Moore of Lanesborough Tri Club and Lough Ree Orcas who was the chief race marshal gave me a full hour of his time after the swim. Ger because the first person to swim the Shannon in skins last year.

It was great also to bump into former triathlete Colm Daly. We were members of the pioneering Hoke in the Wall Tri Club way back in the 90s…

Today I swam the 4k course in a little over 1 hour 15 mins, which indicates a slight increase in speed, even taking into account the slight flow on the river.
I’m really looking forward to meeting all these wonderful people again when I’m swimming through Lanesborough on September 14/15 on the Floflodermo Challenge 2024.
I’ll be back!!