Jim O'Connor Memorial Castle to Castle Swim

Solo swimmers on the 13.5km Castle to Castle Swim course

(thanks to Kevin Newcomen, Midlands Photography Club)

Some great pics of relay swimmers in this years Castle to Castle Swim compliments of Kevin Newcomen of Midlands Photography Club

Thanks to the Relay Boat Captains who supported the 18 teams this day last week. Without your help the relay event couldn't have happened. Each team raised an average of €1800 for Pieta. The total raised has now passed €52,300

https://www.idonate.ie/event/castletocastle24

Baysports was the location for our Relay Teams to register last Saturday. Changing facilities and hot drinks were available for swimmers before Richie O'Hara led the flotilla of boats out of Hodson Bay. Thanks to Richie, Tina and the Baysports team

Solo Swimmers and Kayakers prepare, discuss swim and nutrition plans and enjoy the morning sun at Judy's Harbour, Rindoon before starting their 13.5km swim for Pieta

Our Kayak support team were in Custume Barracks bright and early on Saturday morning where they were met by Alex Dawson-Stanley, head of the Kayak Team and member of the organising committee along with Jackie Wykes of the Defence Forces. We would like to thank Alex for leading an amazing team and also the Defence Forces who not only lent out their facilities but also were responsible for the provision and set up of our hospitality tent at the finish line.

Thanks also to Vincent Gethins and Fergal O'Connor for transporting kayaks to the start line at Rindoon

3 swimmers "in skins" took part in the 13.5km solo swim last Saturday. Paudie Murphy was the first one home in 5 hours 29 mins and Paudie was guided by kayaker Irene Stokes.

John Ryan with Ronan Denning providing kakay support and Sinead Hanley with kayaker Bernie Smith also braved the cold water without the aid of a wetsuit.

Congrats to all three on a tough swim.

Donations to Pieta
still welcome
https://www.idonate.ie/event/castletocastle24

Some relay takeovers from Saturday's Castle to Castle Swim. 18 relay teams took part with 59 relay swimmers.
Each relay team brought in on average €1800 for Pieta....an amazing achievement.

You can still sponsor them here

https://www.idonate.ie/event/castletocastle24

Ethan Keogh and Robbie Powell, who both completed the solo swim in 2023 teamed up this year for a 2 person relay. Between them they covered the 13.5km from Rindoon Castle to Athlone Castle in 3 hours 38 minutes, giving them the fastest time of the day and 1st place amongst 18 relay teams.

Well done lads, a great swim on a tough course! And thanks to Bernie Larkin who provided boat support for that team.

Ethan and Robbie have also raised €1,425 for Pieta. Their fundraising page is still open should you wish to donate

https://www.idonate.ie/team/ethan---robbie9214

Blake Boland completed his 2nd Castle to Castle Swim on Saturday and was the 3rd solo swimmer in, arriving in a time of 4 hours and 29 mins. Earlier in the summer, the Drogheda man was part of a 4 person relay team that crossed the English Channel....a 42km swim!

Well done Blake, hoping we will see you back for round 3 next August!
Blake was guided on Saturday by Paul Brown in the kayak. Thanks to Paul and all the kayakers who provided support on the day.

https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/BlakeBoland595

www.castletocastleswim.ie

Sinead Bane looking pretty relaxed and like she could probably swim back up again! Thanks to Edel for accompanying Sinead on her 13.5k swim

To sponsor Sinead's swim for Pieta, see
https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/SineadBane391

Andy Bushell under the finishing arch after his 13.5km swim for Pieta. Andy had plenty of support throughout with his family at the start and finish lines and Roy along the way 👏

https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/AndyBushell268

Solo swimmers at registration in Athlone Boat Club early yesterday morning....all set for their 13.5km challenge.
Thanks to Deirdre and Ruairi for opening up bright and early.

Still time to donate if you haven't had a chance yet...
https://www.idonate.ie/event/castletocastle24

Two of our relay swimmers, Robbie Powell and Ethan Keogh ready to set off at Rindoon 🏊‍♂️🏊‍♂️

27 Yellow Buoys laid out to guide swimmers from Castle to Castle tomorrow morning. Massive thanks to Athlone Sub Aqua Club and Lough Ree Yacht Club for their work

https://www.idonate.ie/event/castletocastle24

Exclusively for our supporters - "The Rindoon Castle Voyage", brought to you by Viking Tours. Departs tomorrow morning at 9am from Hodson Bay Pier to the start line at Rindoon and back. Book here - all proceeds to Pieta https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/995543416157

Viking Tours Ireland are inviting swimmers families, volunteers families and all supporters of the Castle to Castle Swim on a unique voyage, offering great views of the start and first half of the 13.5km swim challenge. A 3 hour trip that will see you back at Hodson Bay by 12pm and in plenty of time to travel back by car to the finish line before swimmers arrive.

Sincere thanks to Viking Mike for supporting the swim in aid of Pieta

Checking out the 13.5km finish line, Liam Cunningham of Athlone Regional Sports Centre, Joanne O'Connor and Aengus O'Rourke (Midland Print)

Thanks to Richie O'Hara and the team at Baysports for allowing us make use of their lakeshore facilities again. Relay Swimmers will register at Baysports between 7.30am and 8.20am. The swimmers brief will start at 8.40am and then all swimmers will meet their support boats by 9am at Hodson Bay Pier to depart for Rindoon Jetty.

Richie, who likes his hats will be wearing 3 this Saturday. As well as opening his doors at 7.30, he will be working as part of our Safety Team to do a safety check on Relay Boats before they leave for Rindoon. After that he becomes the boat captain for Gerry, Frank, David and Nuala ( 3 Men and a Lady).....no rest for the wicked! His friend Tommy, who also like hats, is looking for a place on a relay. Any takers? 😀

If you haven't sponsored a swimmer or donated yet and wish to do so, here's a link

www.castletocastleswim.ie

Athlone Boat Club will be the location for the Solo Swimmers registration again this year and we are really thankful for the use of this amazing facility. Registration takes place from 7.30am to 8.20am for the solo swimmers before they depart by bus for the start line at Judy's Harbour (Rindoon)

Co. Wicklow based avid swimmer Paudie Murphy will be undertaking the 13.5km solo swim in aid of Pieta House. A member of Glenalbyn Masters Swimming Club and native of Swords, Paudie swam with Aerlingus Swimming Club in his youth.

Over the years Paudie has completed ILDSA events including the 10km Clew Bay Swim and Carlingford swims, the RNLI Helvick swim, the NYSwim Brooklyn to Manhattan and the Liberty Island Swims, plus Alcatraz and the Hellispont Swim in Turkey. He also participated in the Forty Foot Walrus Sea Swimming Club Lough Ness swims.

Two years ago he and friends swam from Woodbrook Golf Club in Shanganagh Co. Dublin to Sallymount Co. Wicklow over six swims in a fundraiser for KOG.

Paudie has recently had some success in the Greystones SwimKOG, the LOS High Rock to Portmarnock.

This will be the longest non-tidal swim Paudie has undertaken to date and he says that his aim is to finish.

To sponsor Paudie and raise much needed funds for Pieta visit

https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/PatrickMurphy351

Barry Gilfillan will be swapping his surfboard for a tow float this Saturday to take on his longest swim to date...the full 13.5km challenge.

Barry, a keen surfer has been back in freshwater for the last couple of months in preparation for the Castle to Castle Swim. Previously a triathlete, Barry would have primarily focused on training for 1500m events in the past but he has stuck to the swim programme and is well prepared for what lies ahead this coming weekend.

To sponsor Barry's swim for Pieta visit

https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/BarryGilfillan733

12 years today since Jim's epic 34km swim from Lanesboro Bridge to Athlone Castle. We're all looking forward to the finish line next Saturday when 80 swimmers are expected to arrive in between 1pm and 4pm.

Music and fun awaits. Please come out and support the swimmers in their fundraising effort for Pieta.

Sponsor a swimmer or donate here

https://www.idonate.ie/event/castletocastle24

Shauna Scannell is a member of Belpark Triathlon Club and Dublin Swimming Club. After taking part in the Gaelforce Open Water Trilogy and other open water events last year, Shauna set sights on some longer challenges for 2024.

Last month Shauna completed the “Downhill 24”, a 24km river swim in Kuusamo, Finland. Although located in the Lapland region, conditions were really favorable with 18 degree water and steady currents helping her to complete the course well under 5 hours.

Shauna is now looking forward to taking part in the 13.5km Castle to Castle Swim on August 24th. If you would like to help Shauna’s fundraising efforts you can do so here :

https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/ShaunaScannell6552

Last year the youngest member of our Kayak support team, John Paul guided his dad Richie Paul down the 13.5km route from Rindoon Castle to Athlone Castle. This year the father and son team are back as Richie takes on the solo swim again. John's a patient lad! 😀

When Richie isn't swimming, he's in the kayak himself and recently he provided support at the Time Trial event in Coosan. We'd like to thank John and all the other kayakers who are giving up their time on August 24th to support the swimmers and of course Pieta. And Richie too of course!

To sponsor Richie and John Paul please visit https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/RichiePaul812

"Are we nearly there yet" is an aptly named relay team of just 2 swimmers who are aiming to cover the 13.5km distance from Rindoon Castle to Athlone Castle on August 24th.

Julie Coyle and Dave Clarke both took part in last year's swim and have also completed events including the Lanesboro 5.8k, the Bundoran Bay Swim and the Sub Aqua Club's Bay to BBQ Swim in the past.

To sponsor Julie and Dave, and raise much needed funds for Pieta click here

https://www.idonate.ie/team/are-we-nearly-there-yet-6557

More finishing pics from the 13.5km Castle to Castle Swim