Summer sun shone brightly on Portsalon to mark the beginning of exam season.The northern bank holiday also brought all hands on deck to paint the new Swim Shelter at Portsalon pier, with local artist Marie Boyce guiding the brushwork. The shelter got its first splash of community spirit last year when Gráinne McGuinness designed a logo for the group’s now-famous hoodies, generously sponsored by Kieran Maloney of SMS Services. This spring, Owen Barr added the finishing touch: a sturdy hook board inside, so no more togs and towels blowing in the wind! But the mural idea was born on a wilder day. Shortly before Easter when the swim-hike group were having lunch in the pier restaurant, the Swilly was throwing itself at the shore and the surf was crashing “as high as Knockalla” over our recently installed shelter. That was the moment. Marie sketched the mural there and then, on the back of a napkin. While the rest of us were just trying to picture it, she was already painting it in her head. By this northern bank holiday Monday the vision was real. The 10 O’Clockers, named for their daily 10am dip, turned out in force. From kids to grandparents, everyone left their mark. Thanks to Emmet Paige from the Pier Shop, who kept the brushes moving with coffee and ice cream during the project, proving there’s no job too big when a community comes together. The day was made final when the last brush was cleaned and the Fire and Tide Sauna arrived. A new venture on the pier, right next to the shelter. Paint one side, fire on the other. Portsalon’s Pier is fast becoming a hub for sea sports, steam therapy and shelter. We extend a warm welcome to Kirk, and we are looking forward enjoying this new experience on the pier. To book a Sauna experience overlooking the most spectacular landscape in the country just contact Kirk on 0868044664.
