Scout / Sea Scout Swimming Gala

Scouts and their leaders at the Sea Scout Gala Blanchardstown

In the not so distance pass I remember you would always get a chill when Skipper would announce that the Swimming Gala is coming up shortly. With its origins back to 1919 when galas were competed for in Dublin Bay and later Clontarf Sea baths the date in September came up so fast. Not the most popular venue for the very reason, the water was always freezing. The motivation was the sooner you hit the cold water the harder you swam to get out the far side and get warm again.

Bass Shield presented to 8th Port Dunlaoghaire Sea Scouts

Sea Scout Swimming Gala at Blanchardstown

The excitement and challenge are still the same, but the venue is now the National Aquatic Centre in Blanchardstown. 150 scouts from across Dublin and North Wicklow area took part in the multi choice of races. They ranged from 25 meter freestyle to 100 meter squad relay race. The Neat dive attracted entries from  all the age ranges, but the keenest race competed for, the under 17 Bass Shield that was first presented on behalf of the Dublin Sea Scout Association in 1919.

Congratulations and well done to all the teams who took part. A special thanks to the organisers from Dunlaoghaire, Bray, Howth, Dollymount and Malahide  Sea Scout groups.

Competing for "The Neat Dive" at the Clontarf Sea Baths in 1977

Related News