Dips for charity in Banagher on Saturday

Banagher's outdoor pool will be used for a noble cause this Saturday morning as it welcomes participating volunteers to take a dip in the cool waters of the Shannon and raise funds for mental health charity, Jigsaw.

The event is part of 'Dips for Jigsaw' a fund-raising campaign taking place across the country. The pool on the river Shannon is the only Midlands venue among 18 other locations, which all feature along the Irish coastline.

The event is designed to bring communities together to boost mental wellbeing while raising vital funds to support Jigsaw's free therapy and support services. The participants brave the cold and take the plunge for youth mental health. Dippers will be arriving from early morning with music, entertainment, warm-ups and more, all taking part before the 'big dip' commences.

Apart from Banagher, the other Dip for Jigsaw locations are in counties Meath, Wicklow, Dublin, Tipperary, Galway and Donegal.

Justin McDermott, National Fundraising Manager at Jigsaw commented “Taking a dip in the sea has long been a popular pastime in Laytown/Fenit/Dromineer/ Bray/ Portmarknock and it's no surprise to those who brave the cold water that it's great for your mental health. Even taking a quick dip into the sea can bring calm, clarity, and confidence. Dip for Jigsaw gives people an incredible opportunity to connect, feel supported, and at the same time fundraise for youth mental health in Ireland."

Dips for Jigsaw will be held at Banagher outdoor pool on Saturday, September 12, 9.30 am. Registration is mandatory and can be done online at www.jigsaw.ie.