Bagenalstown pool host charity 24-hour swim

A 24-HOUR swimathon in Bagenalstown will be held to raise funds for pancreatic cancer treatment and the palliative care unit at St Luke’s Hospital.

The event takes place at Bagenalstown swimming pool, starting Friday 1 August at 12pm and continuing right through to Saturday 2 August at 12pm.

There will be live music on both days, a visit from the KCLR Roadshow on Saturday morning, while there has been already incredible support from local businesses donating spot prizes, refreshments even public lighting for the event.

The event is organised by Mark Devine and his fellow committee members at the Bagenalstown Swimming Club. The cause is close to his own heart and to many on the club committee.

Speaking of the work of the palliative care team, he said: “The way they treat people is amazing, and this is just a way to give something back.” 

To put an extra bit of verve in the swimmers’ strokes, there will be live music played throughout the 24 hours.

There has already been a fantastic outpouring of goodwill and interest in the event so far.

Groups like Carlow Triathlon and other leisure groups will assist in the event.

A couple of Bagenalstown lads have also pledged to swim in the wee hours of the morning, while some of the lifeguards plan on camping at the swimming pool for the day.

All our welcome for the event, and you don’t have to be a pool member to take part. It is not essential, but you can enquire for the best slot to swim over Friday and Saturday by contacting the club in advance through social media or ring Mark on 087 6951972.

A GoFundMe page has been set up ‘Join the splash for a cause! Palliative care & St Lukes’ while there will also be a collection bucket at the pool on both days.