Jim O'Connor Castle to Castle Swim returns for fourth year

A popular local charity challenge, the Jim O'Connor Memorial Castle to Castle Swim, will be back for its fourth year on Saturday, August 22.

The 13.5 km Lough Ree 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.

Since its launch in 2023, the swim has raised more than €229,000, helping Pieta continue to provide free, life-saving support to those impacted by suicide and self-harm.

Participants will 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 will feature a total of 40 solo swimmers, as well as 20 relay teams consisting of 2-4 swimmers apiece, involving more than 100 swimmers in total.

"It's another big increase on numbers year-on-year," said Charlie Naughton, one of the organisers of the Castle to Castle Swim, and Swim Coordinator at the Athlone Regional Sports Centre.

"Altogether, there will be around 110 swimmers taking part on the day, which is a big step up. For safety reasons we are limited to 40 solo swimmers and 20 relay teams, and all those places were snapped up in a few days

"We're delighted so many local swimmers are taking part again this year, but the swim is also attracting more national attention, and all four provinces are going to be represented....with swimmers travelling from as far afield as Castletownbere in West Cork and Ballymena in Antrim," Charlie added.

"A lot of very experienced distance swimmers will be taking part this year, many have completed ultra marathon sea swims before and this is their opportunity to take on a new challenge in fresh water.

"More female swimmers and more swimmers 'in skins' (ie. without wetsuits) have signed up also. We’re now in our fourth year, and it is great to see swimmers coming back each year."

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

"On the day, each solo swimmer will have a kayaker to guide them, to feed them, and encourage them on the way through the lake," he explained.

"Over 40 kayakers are going to be involved to support the swimmers, and that's absolutely 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 his gratitude to the experienced safety team which will be ensuring the swim runs smoothly. The team is made up of Brendan Donnellan of Athlone Sub Aqua Club, and Richie O’Hara and Matt Harte of Baysports.

Alex Dawson-Stanley is head of kayak support for the event and will lead a team that includes individual kayakers and members of clubs such as the Inny Kayakers and the Monagahan Paddlers.

"It's a major operation," Charlie said. "We will have backup from around the area with volunteers from the Order of Malta, Waterways Ireland, Athlone Sub Aqua and many other clubs involved."

The fundraising total had reached €27,677 as of Monday, August3, and was ahead of target based on the same date in 2025.

"Last year we ended up raising just under €113,000 in total, which was a fantastic success and with all the swimmers pushing hard over the next couple of weeks, we would be very hopeful that all their hard work will pay off – in terms of both their swim and their fundraising."

Joanne O'Connor, wife of Jim O'Connor, said: "I feel very fortunate to be part of such a great committee, whose mix of skillset, together with the key resources of Athlone RSC (main event partner and sponsor), have seen this event go from strength to strength.

"Together, we have been working hard over the last few months to have everything ready and to a good and safe standard for August 22.

"As always, we are extremely grateful to local business for their support in sponsoring our annual costs, of around €5,000 this year, and to the local community in supporting our table quiz and bingo night fundraisers."

Joanne went on to say that; "As Jim's family, we are very proud to see this memorial swim event grow from year to year, and we feel so grateful to be able to celebrate Jim's memory in such a positive way each year.

"Having raised €229,000 over the last 3 years, we hope that the event can continue to fundraise to support Pieta in offering life-saving support to anyone touched by mental illness and suicide. We ask you to please support our swimmers in their fundraising efforts for this event by donating on www.castletocastleswim.ie"

Stephanie Manahan, CEO of Pieta, said the charity was "deeply grateful to the organisers, swimmers, volunteers and supporters who have come together to make this event possible".

"The compassion and generosity shown by the Athlone community over many years has helped ensure that people experiencing suicidal distress, self-harm, or the devastating impact of suicide bereavement can access professional support when they need it most," said Stephanie.

"We wish everyone involved a safe and successful event and thank them for standing with Pieta and the people we support every day."

She said support continues to be available for people across Athlone and the wider region through phone, video and local in-person appointments with Pieta's clinical teams in Golden Island by calling 1800 247 247.

Joanne O’Connor concluded by saying the Jim O'Connor Memorial Swim committee and the O'Connor family would like to extend a warm welcome to the local community, and family and friends of all those involved, to join them at Athlone Castle on August 22.

"It promises to be another great day and there will be music and refreshments available from 12pm as we cheer on the swimmers reaching the finish line and raising much needed funds for Pieta," she said.

To donate, go to: www.castletocastleswim.ie