Jim O’Connor Castle to Castle Swim raises €91,222 for Pieta

The fourth annual Castle to Castle Swim which took place in August has raised a further €91,222 for Pieta bringing the total since the inaugural event in 2023 to over €300,000.

The event commemorates the legacy of local man Jim O'Connor, who in 2012 swam the full length of Lough Ree from Lanesboro bridge to Athlone Castle, a distance of 34km. The swim, without a wetsuit, took Jim 13 hours and 34 minutes. The Castle to Castle Swim follows the latter half of Jim's journey and starts at Rindoon Castle, 8km north of Hodson Bay. This year's event took place on Saturday, August 22, with 105 swimmers involved.

Joanne O'Connor, speaking on behalf of Jim's family, said: "It was another wonderful, safe and successful day for the Castle to Castle Swim and Pieta. Thanks to the hard work and commitment of the event partners, sponsors, swim committee, volunteers and the local business community and council, the event was at its best in respect of organisation, safety and hospitality on the day."

She extended a hearty congratulations to all of the solo and relay swimmers who through their phenomenal swim, fundraised a whopping €91,222 for the very worthy charity, Pieta.

"Over four years, funds raised from the event itself total €303,200. It's beyond any of our expectations in respect of the swim's reach, its level of professionalism and the funds raised. The O'Connor family are so very proud to be a part of this fantastic event in Jim's memory. It started with Jim's story and as the event goes on, everyone involved has their own story, whether as a swimmer, a kayaker, a volunteer, an organiser, everyone is building memories!"

A further €56,900 has been raised over the last two years through Pita's national 13 Day August Swim Challenge. The online fundraiser inspired by the 13.5km event, was initiated in August 2025 following a proposal from the Castle to Castle Swim committee.

Joanne added: "As always, the local business community deserves a special mention for their continued commitment every year to helping us in our costs management. This year, there was a spend of €6500, funded by local business sponsorship, the Castle to Castle table quiz and bingo night."

Athlone RSC Swim Coordinator and member of the organising committee Charlie Naughton, said: "Each of the four years, we have been blown away by the support for this event, starting with the local swimming community and spreading out to a much wider open water swimming community as words spreads that Athlone is a centre for long-distance swimming.

"Swimmers travelled from as far away as West Cork, Antrim and The Netherlands, and for the first year all solo places and relay places were fully booked out! But the local participation is key, we are really proud that over 50 of the swimmers trained for the event at Athlone RSC and we value their continued support so much.

"This event is not out of any swimmers reach, we have seen people progress from swimming lessons at the centre to take part in relay teams, and relay swimmers stepping up to the full 13.5km distance. So August 21 2027 is the date and anyone who has an interest and would like a goal for the new year is welcome to reach out to us. We'd love to see more swimmers enjoying the mix of pool and open water swimming"

David Warby, another of the organisers and Athlone RSC Swim Coach, said: "An event like this requires a huge support team on the day itself. Committee member Alex Dawson-Stanley led a team of over 40 kayakers, allowing each solo swimmer to have individual support and guidance. This is key to our commitment to safety on the day. Each relay team had a volunteer captain and boat, mostly locals who gave up a full day to support the swimmers and Pieta.

“The Safety Team was yet again headed up by Brendan Donnellan, Richie O'Hara, Matt Harte and Alex Dawson-Stanley and we really appreciate their experience and commitment.

"This team had the support of boats and volunteers from Athlone Sub Aqua Club, Inny Kayak Club, Baysports, Portaneena Marina, Lough Ree Yacht Club and other individual boat owners and kayakers. With over 30 boats, 40 kayaks and up to 80 volunteers out on the water, swimmers' safety was the top priority. The Order of Malta and Dr Ann Brophy were in place in case of any medical emergencies.

“The organising committee very much appreciates that an event on this scale can only happen with the support and goodwill of so many able volunteers and want to sincerely thank them all for helping to make the day such a success."

Stephanie Manahan, CEO of Pieta said: "There is something very special about Castle to Castle. What began as a way of remembering Jim has grown into a wonderful example of what people can achieve when they come together. To have raised over €360,000 overall is an extraordinary achievement and we are enormously grateful to Joanne, Jim's family, Athlone RSC as main event sponsor and organiser, committee, swimmers, volunteers and everyone who has played a part.

"That generosity means so much to Pieta and to the people who turn to us for help, It helps us continue providing free, professional support to people experiencing suicidal distress self-harm or bereavement by suicide. When someone is struggling to see a way through, we want them to know they don't have to face it alone. There is always another way, and were here to help them find it.