Long distance swimmers honoured by new Portstewart plaque

by Q Radio Reporters

A new plaque has been unveiled in Portstewart to mark the unique achievements of two long distance swimmers.

Mercedes Gleitze swam from Moville in County Donegal to the shores of Portstewart in 1929.

Over 80 years later, Portstewart-native Heather Clatworthy emulated her idol, and completed the 13 mile swim in just over four hours.

The plaque, erected by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, was unveiled near the shoreline at Berne Harbour by Mercedes’ children Fergus and Doloranda, and Heather on Tuesday 25th July. Heather now lives in England, but remains passionate about her seaside home town, and has set up a fund to support outdoor recreation activities in Portstewart.

Causeway Coast & Glens Mayor Joan Baird OBE, poised to unveil the plaque at Berne Harbour, Portstewart

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Mercedes, a professional long-distance swimmer, completed her swim in August 1929 following a request from the Town Clerk of Portstewart at the time. She was the first British woman to swim the English Channel. Her swimming achievements are marked with plaques around the world, and now Portstewart can be added to this trail.

The new plaque at the Berne is the latest addition to discovery points dotted right along the Causeway Coastal Route. The stretch of pathway, which is a part of the Causeway Coast Way, connects Portstewart town centre to the magnificent strand.