Jim O’Connor Memorial Castle to Castle Swim, August 24th

Swim for a Cause: Jim O’Connor Memorial Castle to Castle Swim, August 24th, 2024

Date: Saturday, August 24th, 2024

Location: Starting at Rindoon Castle on Lough Ree in Co. Roscommon and finishing at Athlone Castle in Co. Westmeath.

Overview: Embark on a remarkable journey at the Jim O’Connor Memorial Castle to Castle Swim, taking place on August 24th, 2024. This prestigious event covers a challenging 13.5km stretch and welcomes 30 solo swimmers along with up to 80 relay swimmers (20 teams). Dive into the waters of determination and camaraderie, as participants tackle this significant test of endurance and skill.

Can’t participate? Join us on the sidelines to cheer on the swimmers and show your support for this worthy cause. Alternatively, you can contribute by donating to Pieta, the charity benefiting from this event, by clicking https://www.idonate.ie/event/castletocastle24. Your generosity will help provide vital support to those in need.

Safety Measures: Swimmer safety is our top priority. Each solo swimmer will be required to source an experienced kayaker to guide them while each relay team will be required to source a boat with an experienced captain.

Previous Success: In 2023, 23 solo swimmers completed the inaugural swim in between 3.25 hours and 5.5 hours. Additionally, 16 relay teams comprising 61 swimmers conquered the 13.5km challenge. The success of the event was made possible with the support of various local organizations, including Athlone Sub Aqua Club, Inny Kayak Club, and more.

Memorial Tribute: The event serves as a memorial swim for the late Jim O’Connor, who made history in 2012 by becoming the first person to swim the length of Lough Ree, a distance of 32km from Lanesboro to Athlone.

Charitable Cause: All proceeds raised from the Jim O’Connor Memorial Castle to Castle Swim will be donated directly to Pieta, a charity providing one-to-one therapeutic services to those in suicidal distress, self-harm, and bereaved by suicide.

Registration Details: Individual swimmers are required to raise €250 plus a €50 registration fee, while relay teams must raise €500 plus a €100 registration fee.

Support Pieta: Pieta has provided vital support to over 70,000 people since 2006, with twenty centers established across Ireland. Learn more about Pieta and their essential services on their website.

For more information, including swim maps, rules, training tips, and event day details, visit our website at www.castletocastleswim.ie.