Over 100 swimmers took part in the swim

Dominic French was the winner of the male Under 35 cup at the recent Channel Cup Swim which took place on Saturday, August 29 in Rosses Point.

The event, which is in aid of the RNLI, welcomed 111 participants entering the water this year.  

The swimmers entered the water at Tommy’s Island close to the start of the promenade in Rosses Point and swam just over 1km to the finish line at the Harry Ewing pier at the RNLI station.  

The first group of swimmers to swim the route were those taking part in the competitive swim event. 

The first swimmer home was Dominic French who was the winner of the under 35 male cup. 

He retained the cup which he also won in 2024 and 2025. Shane O’Doherty won the male masters over 35 cup, also retaining his title.  

Alannah Cunningham won the under 35 female cup, a title she has won before.  Dervilla Bailey won the female masters over 35 cup, another repeat winner. 

Well done to all swimmers who took on the challenge of the ‘competitive’ swim.

All other swimmers entered the water in small groups and enjoyed a leisure swim. 

The swim is unique in many ways, and allows participants to take in the beauty of Rosses Point from the sea. 

There were many kayaks and boats on the water who supported the swimmers and shepherded the swimmers along the route. 

Like last year, the swim had ‘swim angels’ who swam with and guided swimmers. Thank you to Maeve Howley, Shane Sweeney and Shirley Bradshaw who were the ‘swim angels’ and were easily identifiable in their orange rash vests. 

There was a great welcome at the finish line from many friends and supporters. 

All swimmers got a well-deserved tasty burger after their swim, which was prepared by the dream burger team of Clive, Joe and Daniel with great help from Austies Restaurant and Bar.   

The John O’Donnell Memorial Cup was won by Dominic French this year. This cup is presented to a person who embraces the ‘spirit of the swim’. 

Dominic is an accomplished swimmer who has won the competitive swim for the last 3 years. He also teaches swimming to children and adults. 

His mother Brid McCole French sadly passed away in June.

 She supported Dominic and his sister Mia in their swimming journeys and was always at swimming events to support. Dominic was a worthy winner of the 2026 John O’Donnel Cup.

The Channel Cup Swim is in aid of the RNLI who provide an invaluable service to the Sligo bay area and beyond.   

As a community, we are very lucky to have this service close by and appreciate the work of the many volunteers and members of the RNLI.   

The organising committee would like to thank all the swimmers and the many volunteers and helpers who made the swim possible.