Pieta event brings curtain down on 2025 Castle to Castle Swim
The 2025 Jim O'Connor Memorial Castle to Castle swim event came to a close last Wednesday evening with an appreciation evening by Pieta.
The event was held in Pieta House, Irishtown, Athlone, and a representation of the more than 130 volunteers for the swim were in attendance. There was a great sense of achievement and gratitude by all as a cheque for €113,121, reflecting the fundraising for this year's swim, was handed over to Pieta in support of the invaluable work they do.
Stephanie Manahan, Chief Executive of Pieta, said: “We are so pleased to welcome everyone who was part of this year’s Castle to Castle Swim into our Pieta service here in Athlone, to show them first-hand the work we do and the impact of their amazing fundraising efforts. Together they have raised €113,121 – that’s enough to answer almost 8,000 crisis calls, provide more than 2,100 hours of counselling, or fund nearly 1,000 first therapy sessions.
“On behalf of Pieta, I want to sincerely thank Joanne, Jim’s family, the Athlone Regional Sports Centre, the committee and all the incredible swimmers, and volunteers. Because of their efforts, more people who are struggling with thoughts of suicide, engaging in self-harm, or grieving the loss of a loved one will have access to Pieta’s free, professional support when they need it most.”
Trudy Darling, Clinical Services Manager of the centre, spoke of the many and varied services provided daily to those in need. She was hugely appreciative of the funds raised and thanked all of those involved. Trudy spoke of what the monies raised can do for those most in need and the hope that can come when a person takes those first steps to liaise with Pieta services.
Joanne O'Connor, speaking on behalf of Jim's family, said: "It is Year 3 of the Castle to Castle swim event and the best year yet in respect of preparation, participation and fundraising.”
She was keen to say that the funds raised did not include the continued support by the local business community in sponsoring more than €,6500 for ongoing costs.
“Being a part of this wonderful event in memory of Jim and being able to present a cheque of this size this evening gives us as a family, great joy and a sense of meaning in our loss. Giving something back that can help others in their time of need is both comforting and humbling,” she said.
She thanked Stephanie and the Pieta team for their constant and continued support for the event.
"This year the event has grown exponentially and funds being handed over are double those raised in previous years. This is all down to the dedicated and constant work of all involved. A total of more than €229,000 has been handed over in the three-year period since the event's inception in 2022.”
She thanked the Castle to Castle committee members and main organiser and event sponsor Athlone Regional Sports Centre, saying that everyone deserved a very well-earned rest before the next swim event date of August 22.