Dots Swimming & Open Water Club / Lough Neagh Monster Dunkers

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🏊‍♂️🌊 LOUGH NEAGH MONSTER DUNKERS – DUNKER OF THE MONTH 🌊🏊‍♂️This month we’re proud to feature Michael Magee as our Dunk...
05/06/2026

🏊‍♂️🌊 LOUGH NEAGH MONSTER DUNKERS – DUNKER OF THE MONTH 🌊🏊‍♂️

This month we’re proud to feature Michael Magee as our Dunker of the Month! 👏🏆

Michael’s swimming journey began in childhood, and what started as a sport he excelled at quickly became a lifelong passion. In recent years, he has thrown himself back into the water through the world of Ironman and Ultra-Ironman events, constantly pushing his limits and embracing new challenges.

And he’s not stopping there — Michael now has his sights set on one of swimming’s ultimate tests: crossing the English Channel! 🇬🇧➡️🇫🇷

When asked why swimming remains such an important part of his life, Michael highlighted the unique benefits it brings:

💪 A fantastic form of cardio that keeps the whole body strong, especially the upper body.

❤️ A great way to stay fit and healthy.

😄 His sense of humour shines through too: “It helps a lot with feeling I at least have some chance in dating!”

🚴‍♂️🏃‍♂️ Having experienced plenty of knocks, close calls and injuries through cycling and running, Michael appreciates swimming as a sport with a much lower risk of injury and less stress on the body.

From childhood swimmer to endurance athlete and aspiring Channel swimmer, Michael embodies the determination, resilience and positive spirit that make our Dunkers community so special.

Please join us in congratulating Michael Magee, our Lough Neagh Monster Dunkers Dunker of the Month! 👏🏊‍♂️🌊

Ironman UltraIronman ColdWaterSwimming MonsterDunkers KeepDunking 🐉🌊

Q1. HOW DID YOU GET INTO SWIMMING?After a ‘close thing’ age 6 on Portrush Strand my Mum decided we all needed to learn t...
26/05/2026

Q1. HOW DID YOU GET INTO SWIMMING?

After a ‘close thing’ age 6 on Portrush Strand my Mum decided we all needed to learn to swim. From literally the next week, she dutifully started taking the four of us all day every day in the school summer holidays to the Rock Pool in Newcastle for swimming and eventually lifesaving lessons. I loved it! After learning to swim most of our lessons were lifesaving, both in the pool and the sea. Strokes we worked on were side stroke and lifesaving kick, and our focus was dealing with a big sea. I went on to work as a pool attendant and also trained and worked as a swim teacher and lifesaving teacher. I still teach a bit but only to little people belonging to close friends and relatives.

Q2.HOW HAS SWIMMING HELPED YOU IN OTHER AREAS OF YOUR LIFE?
I would say some of the biggest life lessons I have learned has been while watching people do amazing things on the North Channel. Stay calm, slow your breathing and dont panic. Whatever the situation. See yourself finishing and well. Whats in your head is the only thing you can control so know you are a winner and just go from there. One stroke at a time. We all have what it takes inside us. Know that and live it.

Q3.WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE LOOKING TO START POOL/OPEN WATER SWIMMING?
For anyone wanting to start swimming..find another
swimmer Experience has shown me the generosity of spirit which exists in this community and there are people who will help. Dont try to do it alone! Then just turn up and get started.

🌟 BIG NEWS FOR TEAM DUNKERS & DOTS SWIM CAMP 🌟We are absolutely thrilled to share that our very own Coach Dot, Dorothy J...
18/05/2026

🌟 BIG NEWS FOR TEAM DUNKERS & DOTS SWIM CAMP 🌟

We are absolutely thrilled to share that our very own Coach Dot, Dorothy Johnston, has been nominated for the BBC Radio Ulster & Radio Foyle Make a Difference Award in the ACTIVE Category! 🏊‍♀️💙

This recognition celebrates people who go above and beyond to make life better in their communities — and anyone who knows Coach Dot knows just how deserving she is. From encouraging nervous first-time swimmers to inspiring confidence, resilience, friendship, and coaching numerous Channel swimmers .
She brings fun at every session,brings heart and energy to everything she does.

The whole Lough Neagh Monster Dunkers & Dots Swim Camp family is incredibly proud! 🙌

Now the judging panel will shortlist finalists, with announcements coming this summer on BBC Radio Ulster. Finalists will then attend a special awards ceremony in September. 🤞✨

Please join us in congratulating Coach Dot on this amazing achievement! 🎉👏

CommunityChampion SwimFamily LoughNeagh ActiveAward

Playr-Fit Teamwear Cosimac Ltd. Dorothy Johnston BBC Radio Ulster BBC Radio Foyle

17/05/2026

Sunday Sermon 🌊🙏

The church this morning was built on cold water, sunrise skies, and the sound of swimmers backing each other every step of the way.

From the mighty waters of Lough Neagh, to the sea air of Newcastle, and the calm shores of Groomsport — the Dunkers were out doing what they do best: showing up, digging deep, and finding joy in every wave.

No matter the location, the message stays the same:
💙 Stronger together
🌊 Respect the water
🔥 Embrace the challenge
🙌 Leave nobody behind

Different swims. Same spirit. Same madness. Same family.

Here’s to another Sunday earned the hard way.
Groomsport SeaSwimming MentalStrength Community DunkersFamily

26/04/2026

Sunday Sermon – Lough Neagh Monster Dunkers 🌊

And on the seventh day… we still swam.

From golden sunrise dips on the Lough, where the water was calm (for once!) and the craic was mighty, to our crew making waves over in Newcastle—bringing the energy from sea swims straight to well-earned shakes and laughs after.

Massive shoutout to our North Channel relay team putting in the work and flying the Dunkers flag with pride 💪

And what a moment for Laura—absolutely smashing the London Marathon in an incredible 3:15:30 🏃‍♀️🔥 Proof (as if we needed it) that Dunkers don’t just do cold water… we do everything.

Swims, miles, memories, and madness—this crew does it all.

What a week. What a squad.Same again next Sunday?

16/04/2026

💭

This week, we’re taking a moment to look back on a truly special memory with our dear friend Andy.

It would have recently been Andy’s birthday, and it feels only right to celebrate him the way we know best — through the moments, laughter, and memories we all shared together as part of the Lough Neagh Monster Dunkers.

Andy wasn’t just a teammate; he was a huge part of what made this group what it is. His presence, his spirit, and his energy are still felt every time we’re together.

We miss you deeply, Andy. Always in our thoughts, always part of the team 💙

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Lough Neagh Discovery Centre, Oxford Island National Nature Reserve, Craigavon
Craigavon
BT66 6NJ

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