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Francis Thornton Memorial Galway Bay Swim
The Frances Thornton Memorial Galway Bay Swim is an open water swimming event in Ireland on behalf of Cancer Care West, annually held in July. They were inducted into the Ireland Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame in 2020 as an Honour Contributor: Organisation. It is also part of the Irish Triple Crown.
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Course[edit]
The marathon swim from Auginish in Co. Clare to Blackrock Diving Tower in Salthill is a distance of roughly 13 kilometers.
Charity[edit]
In 2012, €60,000 was raised for Cancer Care West bringing its cumulative total raised to over €400,000. In that period the charity has launched several new services to the people of Galway and the rest of Connacht.
2013 Event[edit]
In 2013, there were 50 people attempting an individual crossing with 5 relay teams for a total of 75 swimmers, 80 boats, kayaks, paddle boards and over 100 crew in the bay and many more supporters and volunteers on the land.
Honors[edit]
The event was recognized as an Honour Contributor (Organisation) in the Hall of Fame – Marathon Swimming Ireland Class of 2020.
Contact[edit]
- Kevin on +353 (86) 357 1714 or email at galwaybayswim@gmail.com
Other Solo Swims[edit]
- The first recorded open water swim across the 10 km Galway Bay was by International Swimming Hall of Fame and International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame Honor Swimmer Mercedes Gleitze in 1931.
- Please see page Galway Bay Solo Swims for the best listing of swims.
Original Series[edit]
- The 10 km Galway Bay Swim - Salthill Festival race ran from 1984 to 1987.
