Jim O'Connor Memorial Swim returns for third year

By Rebekah O'Reilly

The Jim O'Connor Memorial Castle to Castle Swim is back for its third year on Saturday, August 23.

The 13.5 km Lough Ree swim honours the memory of Athlone's Jim O'Connor and raises funds for Pieta, the suicide and self-harm prevention charity.

Jim, who died in 2018, swam the length of Lough Ree without a wetsuit in 2012 - completing an incredible 34km distance in just over 13 hours. Jim was passionate about open water swimming and supporting his community, and this event continues his legacy.

Since its launch in 2023, the swim has raised over €116,000, helping Pieta continue to provide free, life-saving support to those impacted by suicide and self-harm. Participants swim from Rindoon Castle in Roscommon to Athlone Castle in Westmeath, following a scenic and historic route that has become popular with open-water swimmers from Ireland and beyond.

This year’s swim is set to feature a total of 28 solo swimmers, as well as 20 relay teams, consisting of 2-4 swimmers apiece, involving over 100 swimmers in total.

“It’s a big increase on the numbers we had last year,” said Charlie Naughton, organiser of the Caste to Castle Swim and Swim School Coordinator at the Athlone Regional Sports Centre.

“For the first time, we have more females taking part. We're locally-based, and although we still have a lot of local swimmers this year, we're also pulling national attention, and all four provinces are going to be represented.”

Swimmers from Dublin, Galway, Limerick, Donegal, and Armagh will all make the journey to Athlone for the event.

Safety is a huge consideration for Charlie and fellow sports centre organiser David Warby as the event continues to grow in size.

"On the day, each solo swimmer will have a kayaker to guide them, and to feed them, and encourage them on the way down the river. That's over 30 kayakers who are going to be involved in supporting the swimmers, and that's really essential.

"Each relay team will have a support boat, which means there will be at least 20 ribs or small cruisers on the water, and they'll be looking after the 70 relay swimmers. We're very thankful to the owners of those boats and the captains who will take charge on the day.”

Charlie also expressed gratitude to the experienced safety team who will be ensuring the swim runs smoothly. The team is lead by Brendan Donnellan of Athlone Sub Aqua Club, Alex Stanley of Inny Kayak Club, as well as Richie O'Hara of Baysports and Matt Harte.

"It's a major operation," Charlie said. "We will have backup from around the area: volunteers from Lough Ree Yacht Club, the kayakers, the Order of Malta, Waterways Ireland, and medical support.”

The fundraiser has already amassed more than half of its €60,000 target as of Friday last, August 8.

"The swimmers are pushing hard, and we are confident and hopeful that we'll reach our goal," Charlie added.

* This year two of Jim's children will join the swim for the first time. READ HERE to find out more. *