Mayo swimming club set for charity challenge
Up to 50 young swimmers from Castlebar Swimming Club are set to take on an extraordinary challenge later this month. Now on Sunday 21st June, they will swim 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.
The event, hosted at Lough Lannagh Swimming Pool in Castlebar, 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 young swimmers from eleven schools across the region will take to the water together, supported by coaches, volunteers and families. Schools taking part include:
St Joseph's Castlebar, St Gerard's DLS College Castlebar, Davitt College Castlebar, Sacred Heart Secondary School Westport, Gaelscoil na Cruaiche, Balla Secondary School, Snugboro Primary School, Gaelscoil Raifteirí, Castlebar Primary School, Breaffy National School, Ballyvary Primary School.
And adding to the excitement on the day, in addition to the already wonderful collection of prizes is a fantastic prize, kindly sponsored by the Crean Group; an opportunity for one family to attend Ireland’s favourite family music and arts festival. The lucky winner will receive a Kaleidoscope Festival Family Weekend Ticket worth €600 (for a family of six).
Seventy percent of all funds raised will 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.
Families across the West of Ireland currently face long and difficult journeys to access specialist children's palliative and hospice care. The Sunflower Children's Hospice aims to change that, bringing compassionate, child-centred support closer to home for families navigating the most difficult moments imaginable. 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.
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 from Castlebar Swimming Club, said: “We are incredibly proud of every single one of these young people taking part. They didn't just want to do a sponsored swim, they wanted to do something that truly meant something for their community, and we’re delighted that they will finally have the chance on the 21st of June. Swimming the Shannon, every kilometre of it, in a single day, is their way of saying that this community cares. We hope people will get behind them and donate whatever they can.”
Every euro donated will make a real difference. The club encourages members of the public, local businesses, and community organisations to donate and share as widely as possible. This Swimathon is powered entirely by community spirit, and every stroke these young swimmers take represents commitment, compassion, and solidarity with the children and families who need this care most.
The Sunflower Children’s Hospice will be Ireland’s first children’s hospice outside of Dublin, providing specialist palliative and respite care for children with life-limiting illnesses and their families across the West of Ireland.
A tribute to Berni Kilboyle:
The Swimathon will also be an opportunity for club members to remember Berni Kilboyle, whose sudden passing in May was deeply felt throughout the club and wider community.
Berni was a cherished member of Castlebar Swimming Club, a dedicated committee volunteer and mother of some of the club’s own swimmers. She was warm, kind and full of life. Passionate, dedicated and always willing to give her time to her community. Her enthusiasm and commitment helped the club achieve so much, and her memory will be carried with great fondness by all who knew her.
As the club comes together for this special event, members wish to acknowledge Berni and her family and remember the lasting contribution she made to the club and everyone fortunate enough to know her.