Swimming is almost unique in being a very expensive sport, as we have to expend huge amounts of money on pool hire. Families with more than one child swimming are faced with annual pool fees running into thousands of euro. We do this gladly, as we all appreciate the huge lifelong value of a swimming career in terms of fitness, diligence and focus and the joy of the aquatic life. However, in addition to our pool fees, we have an exceptionally talented Head Coach and his staff, we have gear and equipment to pay for, and we have a lot of travelling costs associated with attending regional, national and international competitions. Hence we are constantly fundraising.