For the third year in a row, Andy Bushell was the overall winner of the Castle to Castle swim, in memory of Jim O’Connor and in aid of Pieta. Andy is pictured at the finish line with his kayaker Ethan Keogh. Photo: Terry O’Neill.

Ideal conditions pave way for successful Castle to Castle swim

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Aindriú Lynam who finished second in the Jim O’Connor Memorial Castle to Castle swim in aid of Pieta, last weekend.

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First female solo swimmer and fifth overall, Oliwia Smialek, with her kayaker and boyfriend Kelven Hackett. Photo: Terry O’Neill.

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The first relay team home were the Athlone Swim Club quartet of Leah Connell, Jane Ryan, Katie Kelly and Laura Griffin. Photos: Terry O’Neill

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Members of Athlone RSC water polo club, Frank Nolan, Patrick Gallagher, Luke Gill, Olivia Machnicka, Jasmine Jakimovic, Eoin Joyce, Fiachra Reddington and Peter Lemass prepare for the swim at Hodson Bay last weekend.

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‘The Aquaholics’ relay team,Sarah Early, Aoife Lowry and Jillian Coll who took part in the Jim O’Connor Memorial swim last weekend. Photo: Terry O’Neill

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Organising the registration at BaySports were Fionnuala Hughes, Joanne O’Connor, Carla Holtkamo and Donna Blair. Photo: Terry O’Neill

Tadhg Carey

Published: Fri 28 Aug 2026, 4:10 PM

Benign weather conditions contributed to the most successful Jim O’Connor Memorial Castle to Castle Swim event yet at the weekend.

The absence of wind and the gentle lake conditions ensured a positive swim for the over 100 participants.

For the third year in a row, Andy Bushell was the first finisher, breaking the four-hour barrier for the 13.5 km swim.

The first finisher in skins (without a wetsuit) was Athlonian Aindriú Lynam, whilst the first female finisher was Olivia Smialek, a local woman who is a staff member of Athlone Regional Sports Centre. The first relay team was Athlone Swim Club.

Overall, 35 solo swimmers and 20 relay teams completed the swim from Rindoon, the location of Portlick Castle, to Athlone Castle.

Large crowds gathered at Athlone Castle to welcome home the participants.

Organisers thanked all volunteers noting that over 100 people helped out on the day.

The swim honours the memory of Athlone man Jim O’Connor and raises funds for Pieta, the suicide and self-harm prevention charity.

In 2012, Jim O'Connor 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.

Prior to this year’s event the Castle to Castle Swim hadraised €229,100 for Pieta over three years.