SOME of the biggest names in Irish swimming were in Limerick recently for the launch of the Thomond Swim, which takes place on the banks of the River Shannon on Saturday July 20.
Cllr Gerry McLoughlin, Mayor of Limerick, was joined by the likes of Grainne Murphy, Bernard Cahill and Chris Bryan to launch the event, which is 1.8km in length and passes landmarks such as King John’s Castle and the Treaty Stone.
The swim will start at St Michael’s Boat Club slipway, head up past O’Callaghan and Clancy Strand, turn near Thomond Bridge and finish back at St Michael’s Boat Club slipway.
Limerick Masters Swimming Club hopes to make this the premier open water event in Ireland and it is enjoying an increasing level of popularity each year.
Club PRO John Garrett said that the swim takes in a great deal of history for an 1.8km event.
“It is a magnificent swim where competitors will be assured of a warm sporting welcome at a time when Limerick is also preparing to celebrate its status as National City of Culture 2014.”
Bryan, who trains at the University Arena, will represent Ireland at the World Championships in Spain in the days leading up to the Thomond Swim.
He was the fastest male competitor in last year’s event and he holds it in a very high regard.
He said: “It’s a tough and hardy swim so it’s great that at least once a year Limerick can boast and showcase the quality and strength of its home bred competitors down the largest river in Ireland, running through the very heart of its city.”
