‘So far we’ve raised €400 for T.E.A.M and we’re still counting’
The Salty Sea Sisters arrived at Lough Owel on Saturday and hosted a morning of swimming, yoga and meditation with the help of Andrea and Tanya Cullen from Mullingar.
The four organised this event so that the women of the midlands could meet and experience the wonderful outdoors together.
The event attracted a good crowd of women from across Westmeath and surrounding counties including Monaghan, Kildare and Laois.
During covid, the Cullen sisters started a series of underwater swims and they captured some amazing photographs along the way.
These photographs caught the eyes of Ainé and Eimear and so they became good friends and together, they planned this special morning.
Ahead of the event Ainé said: “People here have made such a big effort. It's fantastic to be shown a local area by the people who live around.
“It's great to see them so proud and create such a buzz around this so we’re very excited.”
The oragnisers decided that the midlands meet up should be hosted in aid of a women's charity.
They chose T.E.A.M, a Mullingar based charity that was set up to support homeless women and children across the midlands area.
Andrea said: “T.E.A.M do a lot of work for women and children, they are a great charity.
“We know how cold it is to get into the lake but we cant imagine how cold it is in Winter when you don't know whether or not you'll have a place to stay for the night.
“We’ve already raised €400 for the charity and we’re still counting. We’re hoping to have the final number by Wednesday.”
Anne Browne from Mullingar ran a flower mandala workshop on the day and Alyce Harrison who lives in Kilbeggan led the yoga class.
Both were described as "magic" by attendees.
Tanya Cullen of Bronte Photography captured amazing photographs at the event while artist, Rachel Coyne of Cúige studios drew life drawings.
Rachel's drawings were sold on the day with all proceeds going to T.E.A.M.
Tanya’s photos are currently for sale on brontephotography.ie and all proceeds from the digital and print versions will also go to T.E.A.M.
It was a very special morning for the wild and adventurous women of the midlands who hope to welcome The Salty Sea Sisters to Mullingar again very soon.