Castlebar Swimming Club young swimmers “Swim the Shannon” as a symbol of solidarity, to show families across the West that their community stands with them.
On Sunday 21st June, up to 50 young swimmers from Castlebar Swimming Club swam the full equivalent of the River Shannon’s 360km length in a single day, in support of the Sunflower Children’s Hospice for the West of Ireland, as well as supporting the continued development of youth sport within Castlebar Swimming Club.
The swimmers of Castlebar Swimming Club chose to take on the full length of Ireland’s longest river as a symbol of solidarity, to show families across the West that their community stands with them.
Completed in relay format over the course of one day, the challenge saw young swimmers from eleven schools across the region take to the water together, supported by coaches, volunteers, and families.
Special guest 2016 Olympic swimmer Nicholas Quinn attended for both sessions, and CRCfm broadcast live from Lough Lannagh.
Well done to the local schools taking part:
Martina Jennings, CEO of Mayo Roscommon Hospice, said:
“We are deeply moved by the generosity and determination of the young swimmers at Castlebar Swimming Club. The need for specialist children’s hospice care in the West of Ireland is real and urgent, and it is the support of communities like this that brings the Sunflower Children’s Hospice closer to becoming a reality. Every stroke these young people swim sends a powerful message to the families who need this service most, that they are not alone.”
“Marian English, Head coach, Castlebar Swimming Club said:
“We are incredibly proud of every single one of these young people who took part. They didn’t just want to do a sponsored swim, they wanted to do something that truly meant something. Swimming the Shannon, every kilometre of it, in a single day, was their way of saying that this community cares.”
The event was originally scheduled to take place in May but was postponed as a mark of respect following the sudden and deeply sad passing of much-loved club member and committee volunteer, Berni Kilboyle. The team would like to thank Berni for all her commitment to this fundraiser and we extend our deepest sympathy to her husband James, and her cherished children Emma and Aiden who attended the event on 21st June.
This was a Swimathon was a truly memorable event – powered entirely by community spirit, with every stroke these young swimmers took representing commitment, compassion, and solidarity with the children and families who need this care most.
Seventy percent of all funds raised go directly to the Sunflower Children’s Hospice project, with the remaining thirty percent supporting youth sport, coaching, and community wellbeing through Castlebar Swimming Club, a fully volunteer-run organisation. The club’s priority is to make a meaningful contribution to the hospice while also sustaining a positive and healthy environment for local young people.
Ireland’s first children’s hospice outside of Dublin.
