Jim O'Connor's son and daughter to take part in memorial swim for first time

By Rebekah O'Reilly

This year's swim holds extra meaning for the O'Connor family as two of Jim's children, Niamh (32) and Jack (25), will take part in the relay swim for the first time. Though they’ve been involved behind the scenes in previous years, they've now decided to take the plunge themselves.

Teaming up with friends Dave Rowe and Raphaela Joos, Niamh and Jack will each swim around 3.5km as part of their relay.

"We've been involved in organising in past years," Niamh said. "But watching others take part and train made it feel like something we could do too."

Jack, who was living in New York during the last two swims, is excited to join the event.

"My sister asked me to join in April. I said, why not? I'll be home for the summer, and it's a great occasion."

Despite their father's enthusiasm for swimming, the siblings admitted they hadn't swam seriously in years. But with several months of training, both in pools and in the open water at Coosan Point, they’ve built up their confidence.

"I hadn't swam since I was about 10 or 11," Jack said. "I only got back into it earlier this year."

"We started off slowly," Niamh added, "but have trained more consistently in the last three to four months."

His children recall Jim O'Connor's adventurous spirit and love for a challenge. In 2012, Jim made history by swimming the full 34 km length of Lough Ree without a wetsuit.

"Dad loved swimming," said Jack. "He wanted to be the first one to swim Lough Ree in skins (without a wetsuit)."

"He was very competitive, especially with himself,” Niamh added. “He always needed a challenge, and when Lough Ree was suggested, he jumped at the idea.”

Asked whether they might follow in his footsteps and attempt a 'skins' swim someday, both laughed. "That's the next challenge!" Jack said.

"We'll see," Niamh replied. "That was very much Dad's thing. I'm probably too cold-blooded for that - I might never warm up again!"

The O'Connor family are delighted to see the continued support year-on-year for Pieta, and for all of the teams completing this year's swim.

"Pieta has helped countless families. I think when it's as personal as it is for us, you feel like you want that support for everybody. It's such a privilege to be able to do something to support this very worthy charity," said Niamh.

"Everyone is touched by mental health, including our family," said Jack. "The day is a really nice way of remembering Dad, and providing an opportunity for other people as well to remember those who may be affected in their lives."

Jim's wife, Joanne, is looking forward to the day. "Everything is coming together thanks to a really great committee, the swimmers, river and safety supports, local businesses in their continued funding assistance, and the community of Athlone and beyond," she said.

"The swim's co-organisers and main sponsors, Athlone Regional Sports Centre, deserve special acknowledgement. Without the centre, this swim would not be happening.

"This year, myself, Hannah and Charlie will be cheering as usual for all of the swimmers with a little extra for Niamh, Rafa, Dave and Jack. I feel sure that Jim will be too!

"Please sponsor a swimmer or donate to our fundraiser now - just what you can - as every cent counts . Come join us on August 23 at Athlone Castle to cheer the swimmers in. There will be music and refreshments and it's lovely feel good day!"

To sponsor a swimmer, or donate, go to: www.castletocastleswim.ie

* For further coverage of the Jim O'Connor Memorial Swim, click HERE. *