Driving and ducking legend, and WOWSA Man of the Year 2022, Paddy Conaghan, will be at the Ireland on the Water Expo on the 4^th and 5^th March to meet and greet his supporters.

At 82 years young, Paddy has swapped a relaxing retirement for the ultimate challenge – swimming at every beach and pier across the whole of Ireland for the second time in two years to raise awareness and money for mental health charities.

Determined, humble and unstoppable, Paddy has inspired people from all over the world, promoting the benefits of sea swimming on your health and wellbeing.

A native of Arranmore Island, Donegal, Paddy’s resilience is strengthened by a life of hard work as a tunneller in the UK.

From creating his own home gym, to retraining himself to swim after almost 70 years, Paddy has instilled the belief that you can achieve anything you set your mind to.

Gaining support as he travelled across the country, Paddy was amazed to see how many people came out to cheer him on and join him in swimming at each and every pier and beach he travelled to.

Raising close to €113,000 for Gemma’s Legacy of Hope during his first ‘Driving & Ducking’ challenge, Paddy has now decided to set off in his van once again to offer his thanks to those who supported him. This time, he has selected mental health charities from across the four provinces – RNLI PIPS, Mindspace Mayo, ACT Tullamore, Lisheen house Cork.

Having taken to the open seas at the peak of winter in December, Paddy is currently making his way around Ireland.

Come to meet this inspirational legend at the show to find out what motivates him each day and where you can join him on his current challenge.