Charity swim is returning to Lough Conn this Christmas
A group of participants in the Charity Swim at Lough Conn last year in memory of Crossmolina man Brian Mulhern.
Hardy dippers will be back in the water again for the St Stephen’s Day Charity Swim at Lough Conn in Crossmolina in memory of local man Brian Mulhern.
It is a great family and festive event and is totally inclusive. The charities and organisations benefit people from all walks of life, everywhere. It is great to meet all from the community but super to meet all the neighbouring parishes too, coming out to support and participate as well.
This year’s St Stephen’s Day Charity Swim commences at 1.30pm sharp, following the run, walk and jog in Ardagh.
The benefactors of the Charity Swim 2026 are Crossmolina Town Hall and Crossmolina Meals on Wheels. A donation is also being made to River Moy Search and Rescue, Teach An Uisce Search and Rescue and Grainne Uaile Search and Rescue.
Great fun and craic is assured and a hot one or two to get into the festive spirit.
“We have a great group of volunteers and if anyone wishes to help out on the day, please contact Laura or Kieran at Mulhern's Filling Station in Crossmolina," says organisers. "Also, should anyone wish to donate anything for the event, it would be very much appreciated."
This year’s event follows on from a hugely successful 2024 swim where everyone enjoyed the opportunity to catch up with neighbours and friends and those home on holidays on the picturesque shores of Lough Conn.
"Last year’s event was a great success because of all involved in every area of the event, willingly and happily working very hard on the day to look after everyone," say the organisers who paid tribute to all those who helped out and brought food and drink supplies.
Thanks have also been extended to O’Hara’s Bakery, Donoghue's Bakery, Connacht Gold, O’Donnell's Centra, Hiney’s Bar, Mulhern’s Gala and Wispeys for their very kind donations. A very happy positive and lively time was had by all, ensured by the MC Robert Padden playing festive and popular tunes.
It was remarked by so many that Christmas can be a sad and lonely time for people, missing their loved ones who are not with them anymore or living abroad and this event is a lovely focal point for people to gather, chat and catch up.
Three charities (Crossmolina Meals on Wheels, Mayo Suicide Bereavement Liaison Service, and Cancer Care West) benefitted to the tune of €3,550 each from the 2024 swim.
A Coffee Morning was organised in the Government Buildings in Dublin on the January 29th and €1,277.50 was raised for counselling services at Ballina Family Resource Centre on Abbey Street.
People are encouraged to seek out these services if they feel they need help, support and some guidance. It is a sign of strength to know you need help. These funds are raised for people in the community to avail of and the Ballina Family Resource Centre is contactable on 096- 75573 or 087-0618525 or email admin@ballinafrc.com.
