PICS: Here's the new unisex bathing area at the Forty Foot

Mary Connolly, Danielle Francois, Paula Murphy, Bernadette McNamee.

WOMEN ARE FINALLY allowed join the Sandycove Bathers’ Association – and the site already has its own unisex changing area.

Women were allowed to swim with the club at the Forty Foot from the 1970s.

But even though they had been able to pay an annual fee, they hadn’t been entitled to membership.

Sandycove Bathers Association members Fred Espey, Molly Molloy, Margaret Davis, Frank Mullen with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council’s Cathaoirleach, Councillor Carrie Smyth.

After years of protests it was decided earlier this month they would finally be allowed full membership, which entitles women to use the two club huts.

Now that the situation has changed, a unisex changing room has been installed that women will be able to use.

Victor Boyhan, Patricia Stewart, Jane Dillon Byrne and Cllr Carrie Smyth.

The planning and construction of the shelter took three years to complete and required the acquisition by the Council of the old fisherman’s hut.

It’s a brave woman or man who goes out to swim in this weather, so we salute the plucky souls pictured above.

All pics: Jason Clarke Photography

Read: Women members finally accepted at Forty Foot club>