Donegal-born former Army Ranger, lifeguard, diver and swim instructor Henry O'Donnell broke his neck during the bicycle section of a triathlon 30 years ago, but hasn't looked back since his recovery.
Anrí Ó Dómhnaill, a father and grandfather, has trekked and climbed to some of the highest and lowest points on four of the globe's continents and led the first successful relay swim around Ireland in 2006.
Former Army Ranger Henry O'Donnell has previously completed a relay swim round Ireland Photo: Rory O'Donnell
O'Donnell set out in September 2020 from Carrickfin beach in the Donegal gaeltacht - where he first learned to swim - with the aim of completing the first solo fin swim around Ireland in aid of two charities, Water Safety Ireland and the Irish Cancer Society.
O'Donnell set out in September 2020 from Carrickfin beach in the Donegal gaeltacht from where he was born and raised Photo: Rory O'Donnell
He had to take a pause last year due to Covid, but he and his team are back in the water and on the last long leg up the west coast. By early February 2022, he had raised over €45,000 for the two charities.
O'Donnell has progressed round Ireland in a clockwise direction due to the prevailing south-westerly winds Photo: Rory O'Donnell
O'Donnell spoke to Wavelengths in Galway about the planning and logistics, reliance on team and community support, the marine life he has encountered, jellyfish stings, and how he copes with the low days.
The webpage link on his project, showing the tracker with his current location, and with details on how to donate is here
The solo fin swimmer faced very strong tides in the Northern Channel between Northern Ireland and Scotland Photo: Rory O'Donnell
