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CORBALLY SWIMMING POOL,
GONE, BUT FOR THE STEPS AND THE MEMORIES
(Photo Autumn 2013)
The Swimming Pool was built in the late 1940s. It consisted of three large concrete steps and a platform with two safety railings and steps placed at each side to make it easy for swimmers to enter the water. People sat on the steps for hours on end as the place was alive with the comings and goings of the swimmers.
There was two children's paddling pools, a small drinking fountain, ladies and men's changing rooms and toilets, separated by a shop in the centre. The main swimming area was the River Shannon, and if you didn't mind the crowds, what could be more refreshing than to dive into the cool sparkling water and gaze through your wet eyelashes at the blue sky above.
The caretakers of the Swimming Pool (Corbally Baths)in the early 1950's were: Mr. & Mrs. Gus Hanley next Mr. & Mrs. Ryan, last and probably best known and longest serving were Mr. & Mrs. Seán Keogh.
CORBALLY SWIMMING POOL
To the locals, it was simply called "The Pool".
THE SWIMMING POOL (CORBALLY BATHS) Painting by Rosaleen Bolger
THE SWIMMING POOL (CORBALLY BATHS) Painting by Rosaleen Bolger
Duffy's were the first people to have the shop in Corbally Baths. The lady serving behind the counter is Kitty O'Halloran (nee Duffy) with her brother Billy Duffy and her young son Alf O’Halloran. The shop was in the centre of the pool and at each side were the ladies and gents changing boxes and children's paddling pools.
CORBALLY SWIMMING POOL 1955. Papers strewn all over after a hot sunny August day. The young girls are: Left: Elaine Hanley (daughter of caretaker) with her dog Snowie and Ann Lysaght kneeling with neighbours dog Rowdy Kinsella.
Mr. Sean Keogh, was caretaker of Corbally Baths for 26 years, seen here teaching some children to swim.
SHANNON SWIMMING CLUB MEMBERS, CORBALLY 1960. Back row from left: Joan Cantillon, Bridie Hayes, Olive Galvin, Mary Mullins, Ann Lysaght, Evelyn Devane, Nuala Clancy, Bernie Anslow, Rita Clancy. Front row: Audrey McAuliffe, Elsie Gilligan, Mae Clancy (Swimming Coach), Mary O'Connor and Anna Gilligan.
SHANNON SWIMMING CLUB - From left: Swimming Coach; Mae Clancy, Mary O'Halloran, Ann Lysaght, Francis Walsh, Patsy Duggan, Rita Clancy, Nuala Clancy, Mary Green, Carmel Uniak, Dorothy Hegarty, Marian Healy, Front Row: Monica Moloney, Joan Cantillon, Mary O'Brien, Anna Gilligan, Bernadette Mullins, Michael Clancy.
THOMOND SWIMMING CLUB, Christmas Day Swim, Corbally Baths 25th December 1964. From left: Bridie Hayes, Monica Malone, Phyllis O'Carroll, Margaret Hayes, Joan Cantillon.
SHANNON SWIMMING CLUB MEMBERS: From left:- Carmel Galvin, Rita Clancy, Nancy Cowhey, Mary O'Connor, Mary O'Brien, Alice Clancy and Mary O’Halloran.
THOMOND SWIMMING CLUB. Munster Junior Water Polo Championships 1959. Back, Left to Right: Michael Ryan, Tommy Slater, Ger Boland, Jim Graham, John Earls. Front: Paddy McMahon, John Cronin, Dan Gallagher, Peter Boland.
THOMOND SWIMMING CLUB WATER POLO TEAM. Munster Championship Winners 1957. From left: Mickey Ryan, Gerry Boland, Tommy Slater, Dan Gallagher, John Earls, John Cronin and Peter Boland. (Photo courtesy of Dan Gallagher)
CHRISTMAS DAY SWIM, CORBALLY BATHS 1959. Prizes being presented by Donogh O'Malley. 1st Peter Boland, 2nd Jim Graham, 3rd Dan Gallagher. (Photo courtesy of Dan Gallagher.)
CHRISTMAS DAY SWIM, Corbally Baths 1957. Tim Moore presenting 1st Prize to Dan Gallagher. (Photo courtesy of Dan Gallagher)
CHRISTMAS DAY SWIM, CORBALLY BATHS 1962. John Earls, Donogh O'Malley, Jim Graham, John Cronin, Mickey Ryan, Eddie Gavin, Charlie Malone, Gerry Boland, Noel Ryan, Ger Ryan, Mr. Ryan, Austin Wallace. Photo courtesy of Dan Gallagher.
SWIMMING GALA, CORBALLY BATHS 1962. In the crowd were: Ann Canty, Colette Price, Mrs. Lysaght, Rosaleen Lysaght, Aileen Gilligan, Mrs. Kitty Gilligan, Mrs. Nelly Clancy.
CHRISTMAS DAY SWIM, CORBALLY BATHS 1980. The swim was run by Thomond Swimming Club for 50 years, money collected on the day went to charity. Spectators: Deirdre, Laura, Rita and Daniel Gallagher, Damien Ryan, Pat Lysaght Jnr, Jason Hayes, Dan Gallagher, Jim Graham, Elsie Cowhey, Paddy Madden, Larry Sherin, Nancy McNamara, Barry O'Sullivan, Frank Keating. (Photo courtesy of Dan Gallagher).
SWIMMING GALA, CORBALLY BATHS 1955. Faces in the crowd include: Elaine Hanley, Ann Lysaght, Denis O'Shaughnessy, Bernie Spain, Denis O'Keeffe, Frankie Kearney, Denis Noctor and Gabrielle Tobin.
Children's Pool built 1968
THE CHILDREN’S POOL - Just close by there is another small children’s pool, it was built in 1968.
It would be difficult to say this pool was a success as more often than not it was polluted. It got a complete cleaning out a few years back and with some locals keeping an eye on it, it is now home to many aquatic and waterside plants like Forget-me-not, Marsh Marigold, Arrowhead, Pond Weed, Elodea, Hornwort, Water Mint, Water Lily and many more.
Forget-me-not
Marsh Marigold
Arrowhead
Pondweed
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