Seafaring cops net a tidy sum for Special Olympics Munster
Garda Dave White, Hugh Twomey, Anthony Daly, Liam Phillips, Brian Callanan and Omar Fitzell presenting a cheque for 6,000 to Jason Buckley, Mallow representing Special Olympics Ireland. Credit: Photo: Queenan Photography
FIVE North Cork Gardai who took an unusual 62 mile trip from Rosslare to Fishguard — by wakeboarding — raised over €6,000 for Special Olympics Munster.
Sergeant Hugh Twomey along with Garda Liam Philips, David White, Brian Callanan and Anthony Daly crossed the Irish Sea — balancing on a small surfboard while being towed at high speed by boat — in just under five and a half hours last August. In tough conditions they created a new world record.
On Saturday last, the lads were all firmly on solid ground as they handed over the proceeds to Special Olympics Munster.
Garda David White has been an avid fan of wakeboarding for many years and roped in four fellow gardai to have a lash at it. During the adventurous crossing, they were accompanied by three boats from Mallow Search and Rescue, and Kerryman Garda Omar Fitzell was at the wheel of the speed boat.
The entire event was videorecorded as per the requirements of the world record.
This week, Sgt Hugh Twomey told The Corkman that all five were incredibly thankful to everyone who dug deep and helped out for such a worthy cause. He thanked Garda Liam Doyle and Garda John O'leary who organised a lot of the sponsorship cards, and also local businesses for their sponsorship.
He also held great praise for the Mallow Search and Rescue team who work on a voluntary basis and provide an invaluable assistance to the community.
"We're all very proud and delighted with their achievement," commented Inspector Senan Ryan. "Special Olympics Munster is a very worthy organisation and we wish them the very best."
- MARIA HERLIHY
