Mayo charity swim sets €50,000 fundraising aim

The Roonagh to Clare Island charity swim will take place this weekend.

With just two days to go, the conditions are looking favourable for the 5.3 kilometre open sea swim, which kicks off on Saturday, August 31, at 8.30 am.

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

The swim will raise funds for Cystic Fibrosis Ireland and Louisburgh Order of Malta.

Fundraising is already nearing €40,000 and the organisers are hopeful that with the final push the funds may get to €50,000. 

Participants are all set for the challenge, 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.

The organisers of the event expressed their gratitude to everyone who has donated, as well as to all local businesses and individuals who have sponsored resources for the event.

People can show support by donating online and also coming out on the day to cheer the swimmers off from Roonagh and ashore in Clare Island and celebrate. 

People will congregate in the Community Centre on Clare Island after the swim.

Donations can be made through the iDonate page.