Man raises €7,000 for charity after swimming the Shannon

Roscommon resident Ger Moore recently swam the length of the Shannon and has managed to raise over €7,000 to date for mental health charities, Jigsaw and Pieta House.

Ger, a Cork native who has been living in Roxboro, Co. Roscommon, for the past 15 years, is a member of the Lough Ree Orcas, an open water swimming group in Lanesboro. He became the first person to ever swim the Shannon without the aid of a wetsuit on Saturday last. Ger started the swim on Sunday, June 18 from the top of Lough Allen and arrived at Curragower Boat Club near King John's Castle in Limerick City at 6pm on Saturday, July 1, a swim distance of approximately 250km.

When Ger arrived in Limerick he was met by members of the Lough Ree Orcas and the Limerick Narwhals, open water swimmers, along with his family and friends.

Following the swim, Ger said that the experience was “very rewarding” and that some days were “very challenging.” He added that the many messages of support he received helped him to get through it. Ger spent an average of nine hours in the water per day for the duration of the swim and 13 hours on the longest day.

Describing the experience, Ger said the “shelter wasn't great” but that he saw sights that can't be seen from the road. In terms of the challenges associated with the swim, Ger added that after a while injuries started playing up. “Everyday was a challenge really. You have to have a a bit of resilience.” He added that what kept him going is that he knew he was doing the swim for charity.

As part of the journey, Ger swam from Athlone from Lanesboro, a gruelling 12hr and 40 minute journey. Ger made it to Athlone, under very challenging conditions, and then swam to Clonmacnoise and onwards to Banagher.

Ger said that swimming without a wetsuit made the experience a bit tougher as he had to try and regulate his body heat. “Without a wetsuit it slows you down a little.” He thanked the people he met along the journey along with the support from local sub aqua clubs and swimming groups.

Speaking about why he chose the charities Jigsaw and Pieta House, Ger stated: “I have chosen these charities as I feel there is not a house in Ireland that hasn't been affected by someone dealing with mental health issues and/or suicide.”