Snámhaí Sásta

On Friday September 11th, Transition Year students set off to Lahinch at 9am for our first outing of the year. There, we met up with June Curtin, founder of Snámhaí Sásta, and by all accounts, a woman to be admired. Despite the lashing rain and wind, we donned our swimming gear and ran into the sea braving the initial shock of cold. Some even ventured to dive under water. After this invigorating swim we quickly dressed and clambered on the bus back to school where we enjoyed a badly needed cup of tea! Following our tea break June was joined by Tara Howley, past pupil and accomplished musician. Together they addressed us on the experience of Snámhaí Sásta. June spoke to us about her reasons for starting Snámhaí Sásta and the benefits of the sea on our mental health. Tara spoke about her enjoyment of the Snámhaí Sásta meetings and the ways she has been helped by the experience. Their words were truly inspirational and most definitely motivated us to go swimming in the sea more often.

On behalf of Transition Year students of Scoil Mhuire I would like to sincerely thank June and Tara for sharing their stories with us and taking time out of their busy lives to talk to us. Our swim with Snámhaí Sásta was very different to anything we have ever done before as a class. It was such an amazing and unique experience which we would all love to relive. Thank you to Ms. Collins and Ms. Torpey for organising such an amazing day out.

Caoimhe McMahon