Jim O’Connor Castle to Castle Swim returns for fourth year
The Jim O’Connor Memorial Castle to Castle Swim is back for its fourth year on Saturday, August 22. This 13.5 km swim in Lough Ree honours the memory of Jim O’Connor and raises funds for Pieta, the suicide and self-harm prevention charity.
Since its launch four years ago, the swim has raised over €229,000, helping Pieta continue to provide free, life-saving support to those impacted by suicide and self-harm.
This is the Midlands longest and most challenging open water swim and participants will swim from Rindoon Castle in Roscommon to Athlone Castle in Westmeath.
The swim celebrates Jim O’Connor, who in 2012 swam the length of Lough Ree without a wetsuit, an incredible 34 km, completing it in just over 13 hours. Jim was passionate about open water swimming and supporting his community, and this event continues his legacy.
Since registration opened just three weeks ago, the swim is already fully subscribed with 40 solo swimmers and 20 relay teams signed up.
Charlie Naughton, Swim Coordinator with event organisers Athlone RSC, said “We are absolutely delighted to see the increased level of interest in the swim this year. For the first time ever, the solo swim is fully subscribed and has attracted some of the country’s most experienced open water swimmers together with a few hailing from Northern Ireland and even Holland. The relays are also fully subscribed to 20 teams. We see this as a tribute to the hard work and dedication of all involved over the years, helping to put this event on the map as a challenging and enjoyable one, where the swimmers experience and safety are paramount.”
The 16-week training programme for solo swimmers, provided by Athlone RSC, is also getting underway now and will run right through to the event day on August 22
Joanne O’Connor, Jim’s wife and one of the event organisers, said: “As Jim’s family and on behalf of the committee, we are so very proud of all that is being achieved through this event since we started out in 2023. Not just the €229,000 raised to date for Pieta, but the work and dedication of an incredible committee and community of people, from swimmers, supporters, and volunteers, all coming together to help make a difference to the lives of those we love”
“We are delighted to be off to a great start in 2026 with registrations already fully subscribed. We had a fantastic day last year and we will be working to ensure another great and safe day for all on August 22.”
The Castle to Castle Swim committee confirm that fundraising is underway now too with solo swimmers being asked to raise a minimum of €300 and Relay teams a minimum of €600 for Pieta.
There are annual costs associated with the running of the event this year and the committee is actively fundraising to manage these costs.
As part of the costs fundraising, The Castle to Castle Swim committee invites you to join them at their annual Fundraising Table Quiz in the Bounty Bar at 8pm on Thursday, May 14. There will be lots of great spot prizes on the night. €40 per table.