Leitrim to Limerick: Athlete to swim entire 230km of River Shannon for charity

Roscommon man Paul Little is undertaking what is hoped to be a record-breaking swim on the River Shannon, all in the name of charity.

Paul, a well-known athlete in the North West, has been involved with many clubs over the years, most recently Lough Key Swim Club, Lough Tri Club, and Carrick-on-Shannon Rowing Club. 

Lately, he has been preparing for an extraordinary challenge, swimming the full length of Ireland’s longest river, as a fundraising effort for North West STOP.

North West STOP is a community-based organisation founded in 2004 by families bereaved by suicide. The organisation provides free counselling for all ages and works to prevent suicide through information, education, and the promotion of positive mental health.

READ NEXT: Dromahair mother taking on the Warrior's Run in Strandhill for Barretstown

Paul has described North West STOP as an “invaluable service to the North West of Ireland,” and tomorrow on Sunday, August 10, he will set out on this remarkable journey.

The swim will cover 230km, taking Paul through some of the most scenic stretches of the river bordering Longford, Leitrim, and Roscommon before continuing down through the mid and lower Shannon.

He will begin tomorrow in Dowra, County Cavan, and swim more than 230km over eight days, averaging roughly 30km per day, before finishing at Curraghgour Boat Club in Limerick City on Sunday, August 17.

Paul’s planned route is: Dowra to Battlebridge, Battlebridge to Rooskey, Rooskey to Lanesborough, Lanesborough to Athlone, Athlone to Banagher, Banagher to Kilgarvan Quay, Kilgarvan Quay to Killaloe, and finally Killaloe to Curraghgour Boat Club.

READ NEXT: 457 crimes committed by people on bail in Leitrim and Sligo

So far, Paul has exceeded his fundraising target of €2,500 for North West STOP, having already raised nearly €4,000.

To donate to Paul’s Shannon Swim for North West STOP, click here.