Latest news with #DipintheNip
RTÉ News
29-07-2025
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
Dip in the Nip: What a naked swim taught me about body image
Tara Povey writes about taking part in the Dip in the Nip, a thrilling event that raises funds for the Hope Cancer Support Centre in Wexford, and what it taught her about being comfortable in your body. I moved to Rosslare three years ago and every year I heard tales of the Dip in the Nip. I didn't know much about it, just that a bunch of women gathered on the beach at 7am, tossed off their clothes and raced into the sea, completely nude, roaring battle cries at the top of their lungs. It sounded sort of witchy to me, so I knew I had to get involved. The women's Dip in the Nip is organised by local health and fitness guru Eileen Rowe as a fundraiser for Hope Cancer Support Centre in Wexford. The Hope Centre provides a variety of free cancer support services including counselling, massage, prosthesis/bra fitting and children's counselling for local Wexford residents. Eileen cites the loss of her aunt to cancer as the catalyst for creating the event. But beyond that, Eileen has always been passionate about the sea and bringing women together: "If you can help people feel empowered and raise money for cancer it's a win win for everybody. It's a life-changing experience! You're not the same person after doing the dip, it's just magic!" Sunday July 20 marked the 11th year of the Dip in the Nip in Rosslare and my very first year joining the ranks of these incredible women. My friend, Kate, has been doing the Dip for years and finally talked me into joining her. If I'm being honest it didn't take much convincing: the older I get the less I care about being naked and the more I understand the importance of sisterhood. I remember, as a child, being absolutely mortified by older women in the swimming pool changing rooms wandering around completely nude without a care in the world. My mam used to tell me, "You just don't care when you get older, Tara", and it turns out she was dead right. Now, in my mid-30s, I have become the uninhibited lady from the changing rooms or, in this case, Rosslare Strand. When it comes to why people do the Dip in the Nip, it's pretty clear. According to the HSE, 1 in 2 people are diagnosed with some form of cancer in their lifetime - whether it's ourselves, our relatives or our friends, we will know someone who has to face it. Amanda Broaders, who documents her cancer journey online at @built_stronger_with_amanda, was diagnosed in May 2024. Over the last year Amanda has availed of the Hope Centre's services saying "the support and information provided was absolutely life-changing". Having received such great support during her battle with cancer, Amanda felt it was only right to support the Hope Centre in return by signing up for the Dip and raising some money. As expected, Amanda was nervous to bare all, but that quickly changed: "Once I got into the water I felt completely at ease. It was a bit emotional because of my personal journey but very empowering at the same time. I'll definitely be back next year." Maria Foley, breast cancer survivor and three time dipper, admitted that organiser Eileen had been asking her to do Dip in the Nip for years: "I always said no, but that was until I needed a bit of help from the Hope Centre and realised how valuable the service they provided was." Like so many others, Maria sees Dip in the Nip as a way to give back to the Hope Centre who were fundamental in helping her come to terms with her diagnosis. When asked what words of advice she'd give to those who are thinking about participating next year Maria said: "If I can do it, anyone can do it. It's a fantastic sight to see, women of all ages from 18 to 80 supporting each other!" The aspect of the Dip that I found particularly powerful was the body diversity. There's nothing like being surrounded by hundreds of naked women, of all shapes, sizes and ages, to remind you that we're all just human beings and maybe a few stretch marks don't really matter in the grand scheme of things. Jenny Murphy started doing Dip in the Nip four years ago and notes that, despite her own struggles with body image, when she looked around the beach during her first dip she realised that many of the women looked just like her: "I'm not the only one with a saggy tummy, who knew?!" When she felt anxious before stripping off, Jenny reminded herself that if the people she loves can be brave enough to face cancer, then she can be brave enough to skinny dip on a Sunday morning. So far this year over €25,000 has been raised by the event and you can still donate - here. Over the past decade the event has raised over a quarter of a million euro. It's not just the women stripping off and taking the plunge: the men's event, The Bow Tie Dip, took place on Saturday July 19 in aid of It's Good2Talk, a local charity offering free counselling and psychotherapy support. The Bow Tie Dip, organised by Bernard McGuinness, is only in its second year, however it has already managed to raise over €15,000 this year and, of course, you can still donate - here. Next year's events are set for Saturday July 18 (men's) and July 19 (women's) and I encourage anyone and everyone to give it a try. Eileen was absolutely right when she said that it was magic: the buzz I felt after the event this year was unlike anything else. Throughout my life women have saved me, held me and put me back together time and time again. So to stand in solidarity on that beach, surrounded by over 500 women who have faced battles I know nothing of, completely vulnerable and raw, was transcendental.
Irish Independent
14-07-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
Dip in the Nip makes a cheeky return to Wexford to raise funds for two local organisations
This July, Dip in the Nip for both men and women returns with the men's event taking place on Saturday, July 19, and the ladies' event taking place on Sunday, July 20. It's Good to Talk, are a Wexford not – for – profit organisation who offer invaluable psychotherapy and counselling services to the local community from their town centre base in Wexford's Spawell road will benefit from the men's event while the Hope Cancer Support Centre in Enniscorthy will benefit from the ladies' event. The Wexford debut of the men's Dip in the Nip was last year and the event was very successful. The men's event last year raised over € 11,000, and the expectation is that the total amount raised will be larger this year. Men will bare almost all and will wear just a bow tie as they charge into the Irish Sea to raise funds and awareness for mental health. 'The men's Dip in the Nip is more than just running into the sea,' said organiser Bernard McGuinness. 'It's about stepping outside your comfort zone, letting go of expectations, and showing up for each other in the rawest, most honest way. We're encouraging everyone who dipped last year to bring a friend and help us double the impact in 2025.' And it's not just about the money. The fearless participants take part, spark important conversations and breakdown mental health stigma, in a fun way. 'Mental health is something I care deeply about, which is why I was more than happy to take part in both last year's and this year's dip. The Bow Tie Dip in the Nip isn't just a brilliant fundraiser, it's a powerful show of community spirit,' says Leo Coy, an It's Good to Talk committee member. 'The atmosphere on the day is electric. There's laughter, connection, and a real sense that we're all in it together, and for a great cause.' The event takes place at Rosslare Strand on Saturday July 19 at 7am. The following morning the women's Dip in the Nip takes place at the same time. Funds raised from this will support Hope Cancer Support Centre, celebrating courage, community and a shared commitment to both causes. If you'd like to take part and are over 18, come along on the morning of either event. Participants will gather at the beach beside the Community Centre in Rosslare Strand from 6:00 AM onwards. The dip will commence at 7am. If you prefer to support from the shore, you can donate online by clicking here Regardless of whether you're taking part, a supporter or just curious to check it out, all are welcome.
