Second circuit of Ireland swim challenge completed by 82-year-old Paddy Conaghan

Árainn Mhór swimmer Paddy Conaghan has completed a remarkable second circuit of Ireland swim challenge. 

The 82-year-old’s latest challenge, Driving and Ducking Around Ireland, concluded on Sunday, though Paddy opted not to do the final swim. He said that rather than end the challenge, he would leave the door open for someone else to take it up. 

Paddy began the challenge on December 5. He travelled the coast in an anti-clockwise direction, living out of his van. Along the way, he met groups of local swimmers and took part in 515 swims in 98 days.

Among those to congratulate Paddy as he boarded the Blue Ferry to Árainn Mhór for the final leg of the journey home was Daniel O’Donnell.

And needless to say, there was a hero’s welcome for Paddy as he landed back on the island more than three months after setting off. 

Paddy has raised more than €10,000 for charities. These include the RNLI and several mental-health charities. 

He believes that increasing awareness around mental health was every bit as important as the money raised. 

Paddy completed a similar challenge between December 2021 and February 2022. He raised more than €100,000 for Gemma's Legacy of Hope - a local counselling service in the Rosses and Fintown area. 

His efforts led to his being nominated for and winning the World Open Water Swimming Association (WOWSA) Man of the Year Award.