By Michelle Crean 

It really was girl power at its finest - as 170 women of all ages braved the elements on Sunday to bare all for charity at the weekend.

POWERFUL: A very powerful emotional and amazing morning for 170 amazing women who courageously bared all in Kerry's first ever women's-only charity 'Dip in the Nip' in aid of Recovery Haven Kerry - Cancer Support Charity in Shore Acre Camp. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

READY TO DIP: Pictured at Shore Acre in Camp are women of all ages who took part in 'Dip in the Nip' in aid of Recovery Haven Kerry - Cancer Support Charity. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

FUN: Killarney women Mary O'Leary Margaret O'Donoghue Fiona O'Donoghue Joan O'Reilly Lil O'Doherty Tara O'Donoghue and Eda Moore smiling after taking part in 'Dip in the Nip' in aid of Recovery Haven Kerry - Cancer Support Charity. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

EMPOWERING: Marisa Reidy (Recovery Haven Kerry) pictured with Mary O'Leary and Margaret O'Donoghue Killarney feeling empowered at Kerry's first ever women's-only charity 'Dip in the Nip' in aid of Recovery Haven Kerry. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

Shore Acre in Camp was the location which was only revealed to the participants for Kerry's first ever 'Dip in the Nip'. And amongst the all female grouping were some Killarney ladies who joined in the empowering adventure for what was described as "a special and unforgettable morning" all in aid of Recovery Haven Kerry.

According to Marisa Reidy from Recovery Haven, the women were of all ages and all walks of life who came together for so many personal reasons.

"Some were still on their own cancer journey, some were celebrating coming out the other side and of course, many were there to honour friends and loved ones who they had lost to cancer, but we were all equal on the day – flaws and all," Marisa, who also took part in the event, told the Killarney Advertiser.

"It was a truly uplifting and exhilarating experience and we are so, so grateful to each and every lady who joined us for a morning we will never forget. One woman described it as ‘companionship among strangers’ and that really sums it up perfectly. It was emotional, there were some tears, but lots of laughter and we couldn’t have asked for anything more. When the ladies hit the water, they all formed a circle and held hands in a gesture that was totally unplanned - it just happened organically and it was quite overwhelming."

She added that a very special mention has to be made to Michaela and John Edwards and their team from Wild Water Adventures for their support and expertise in ensuring no stone was left unturned in making it a fabulous, safe event.

"It was an all-female team from beginning to end, from our own volunteers, stewards, registration, Gardai, teas and coffees, lifeguards, sea rescue - girl power at its finest! Now all that’s left to do is start planning for 2022!"

Donations are still being taken via the link on the Recovery Haven Kerry Facebook page.

"So far we are close on €9,000 which is just fabulous."