Fianna Fáil Mayor of Bandon, Cllr Gillian Coughlan has congratulated Bandon woman Dr Clare O’Leary on crossing the world’s largest freshwater lake.
Cllr Coughlan commented: “I would like to congratulate Bandonian, Dr Clare O’ Leary and Mike O’Shea on crossing the world’s largest freshwater lake, Lake Baikal in Russia. Weeks of intense training and preparation for the freezing conditions paid off for the duo and they achieved their goal of traversing the frozen lake last week.
“Adventurers like Clare and Mike are following in the footsteps of men like Tom Crean and Patrick Keohane (from Courtmacsherry, near Bandon) who overcame all sorts of adversity to satisfy their curiosity and fulfil their dreams. The spirit of adventure, tempered with a respect for nature and combined with keen ambition, commitment and dedication which is inherent in these people, inspires us all to push our boundaries and to fulfil our potential, in whatever field of endeavour that might be.
“Clare and Mike O’Shea have brought pride to themselves, their families, their communities and their country. On behalf of the people of Bandon, I congratulate them and wish them well in their future endeavours.”