The super weather and the closure of the schools has brought out something in Kilcullen that hasn't really been seen for years — lots of young people swimming in the traditional river spots,
writes Brian Byrne.
On the Riverside Manor bank, the old temporary wooden dock which had become dangerous was removed recently by some residents, and a level space cut out on the bank. It's now a good safe place to swim.
Across on the New Abbey side, the bank which for generations attracted Kilcullen swimmers young and old — in summers that seem to have been much better than in recent decades — has also been busy this week.
But local canoeist and countryside enthusiast Brendan O'Connell is a little concerned that the swimmers might not be aware of dangers.
"We used to swim much more in the river, because there were no swimming pools," he says. "It's great to see people back in the water again, but they may not be as aware of the dangerous places as we were."
The most important of these is on the bend just as the river swings by the Valley Park, where the scouring action results in a quite deep section along about 40 metres, along with some odd currents. "We always avoided it, it was quite dangerous unless you were a strong swimmer. You also need to be aware that a Poulaphuca flood came come down quite quickly."
That said, Brendan is very happy to see the river being part of the leisure facilities for today's residents. "Enjoy, and keep each other safe," he says. "And also respect the land and the owners, take home everything you bring out."
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