Mayo charity swim sees huge success

The charity swim from Roonagh Pier to Clare Island for Cystic Fibrosis Ireland and Order of Malta Louisburgh was a huge success.

Taking place this past Saturday, August 31, 45 swimmers with their Kayaker support teams, along with the safety team and Order of Malta, paramedics and medical personnel all completed a successful event. 

The swim was previously scheduled to take place earlier this month, but was cancelled due to safety concerns.

All participants completed the 5.3 kilometre open sea swim while the community pulled together in supporting the two charities, having raised over €47,000 in funds.

_{Councillor Chris Maxwell with the Heneghan family as participant Brendan Heneghan arrives on Clare Island Nuala (Photo: J Corrigan)}

An array of locals took part in the swim, including 62-year–old Ann Ivers from Kiltimagh.

Ms Ivers is no stranger to open sea swimming, and in 2022 she swam approximately two-miles from Alcatraz Island to the St Francis Yacht Club in San Francisco.

Other participants include Mayo Garda Niall O'Malley, and Breaffy native Elaine Heneghan.

Tara Dunne from Swim Ireland and Councillor Chris Maxwell said a few words of encouragement before the participants set off.

People and sponsors did this out of generosity and community spirit, not wanting thanks, but it would be remiss to not mention some with an apology if anyone is left out.

Event organisers expressed their gratitude to all individuals and businesses who supported the event, as well as everyone who donated.

The fundraising page is still live, and donations can be made through the iDonate page.