Open water swimmers are preparing for action on the River Shannon this Wednesday when the next Thomond Swim takes place.
Members of the public are invited to support the swim which takes place at 7pm and will be officially launched by Mayor of Limerick, Maria Byrne.
Top swimmers from around the country, including members of the Limerick Masters Swimming Club and Swim Ireland Masters swimmers from Dublin, Cork and Galway will compete in challenge.
Two swimmers from the Aran Swim Challenge will also be taking part as well as swimmers from the UL High Performance Team.
The 1.7km swim will start at St Michael’s Boat Club slipway, head up to the Curragower Falls to Thomond Bridge and return to finish at Howley’s Quay.
The money raised from the swim will be donated to Limerick Marine Search and Rescue, who will be keeping a watchful eye on the swimmers during the near 30 minute swim.
“It is one of our great annual sporting spectacles and the sporting rivalry between the swimmers is immense,” Thomond Swim PRO John Garrett said this week.
“Even describing the route engenders a sense of pride in the proud history of this great place. This will not be lost on the swimmers who will be representing the city with the Treaty Stone emblazoned on their swim caps. We would love if the people of the city would come out and support what is truly a unique Limerick event.”
Best viewing points for the public are on Sarsfield Bridge and along the re-furbished Riverside Boardwalks on Clancy’s Strand and O’Callaghan’s Strand.
Prizes for the first home male and female swimmer and for the fastest male and female swimmer will be awarded following the event.
