THERE WAS NO stopping the many people who took part in Christmas Day and St Stephen’s Day swims – even with the threat of bad weather.

In Galway, Cope said that an estimated 5,000 people braved the high wind and seas at Blackrock, Salthill for the 27th annual swim on Christmas morning.

It thanked the participants, lifeguards and volunteers, saying:

All money raised at this important fundraising event will help people of Galway to rebuild their lives, whether they’ve been affected by homelessness, domestic violence or the isolation that can sometimes settle on us in later life, through the various services that the local charity offers.

The swimmers were also out in force in Tramore, as these pics show. They were there to show their support for Tramore Surf Club:

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Eamonn Farrell Eamonn Farrell

Meanwhile, today also saw some solo swims taking place around the country:

There were even some pups who got in the act:

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Read: Pics: A lot of brave souls braved the elements for a Christmas swim (or run) today>