Ballina Salmon Festival: Moy Swim returns with a splash

The Heyco Moy Swim, one of Ireland’s oldest and most iconic river swims, takes place on the morning of Saturday, July 19.

Competitors are invited to dive into tradition at this year’s swim and can compete in either the 2.5km competitive swim or the 600-metre participation swim.

The Moy Swim is a celebration of community, endurance and the joy of open water swimming. All swimmers receive a commemorative Heyco towel, Swim Ireland t-shirt, a swim cap and finisher medal.

Moreover, it is an event with a great history in the town. It started back in the 1950s and was held for many years before it went on an extended hiatus.

The original swim started at the town's famous salmon weirs. Swimmers would dive in and swim all the way up to St Muredach’s College. The winning cup, known as ‘The Bishop’s Cup’, was presented to the Swimming Club by the late Bishop O’Boyle many years ago.

In addition, Captain Matthew Webb prepared to become the first man to swim the English Channel in 1875 by training in the river Moy. Captain Webb boasted to fellow drinkers in McDonnell's Pub on Bridge Street (now the Bolg Bui) that he would buy them all a drink after successfully accomplishing his Channel challenge. 

By taking part in the swim, participants can also become of part of the town’s great history. The Moy Swim was revived from its hiatus by a dedicated group of local volunteers who banded together to bring it back to its former glory in 2018 and it has been held each year since. 

Register now for this year’s Swim on Eventmaster before 16th July.