People across Ireland are being invited to swim or dip in memory of someone they have loved and lost as Swim2Remember returns for its fifth year on Saturday, 19 September.
The main event will take place at Blackrock, Salthill, from 11.00am to 1.00pm. Participants can also take part at a location that suits them and support the initiative by donating through the Swim2Remember iDonate page.
Swim2Remember raises funds for two Galway-founded charities with a national reach: ACT for Meningitis and Rosabel’s Rooms. Both organisations were established by bereaved parents who transformed profound personal loss into practical support for other families.
ACT for Meningitis was founded in 2011 by Siobhan Carroll and Noel Carroll following the loss of their daughter Aoibhe. The charity works nationally to save lives through greater meningitis awareness and provides free support services to people and families affected by the disease.
Rosabel’s Rooms was founded in 2018 by Dr Suzanne McClean and Gary Monroe following the sudden death of their 16-month-old daughter, Rosabel. Working in collaboration with the Irish Hospice Foundation, the initiative provides financial and therapeutic support to families bereaved by the death of a child or young person up to the age of 21, regardless of the cause of death.
Karen Ronan, National President, Network Ireland said that Swim2Remember is a beautiful expression of remembrance, solidarity and hope.
“Siobhan and Suzanne have shown extraordinary courage in turning the heartbreak of losing Aoibhe and Rosabel into meaningful support for families throughout Ireland. Network Ireland is immensely proud to stand behind this fifth Swim2Remember, and I encourage our members and communities across the country to take part — whether by swimming, dipping or donating — in memory of someone special.”
Swim2Remember was created in 2022, when former Network Ireland National President Noreen McKenzie presented Siobhan Carroll and Suzanne McClean with the Network Ireland Tricia Murphy Memorial Award, which recognises women making a difference in their communities. The initiative has raised vital funds for both charities every year since.
This year’s Swim2Remember takes place on 19 September, the day after the 2026 Network Ireland National Conference and Businesswoman of the Year Awards return to Galway.
All donations of €10 or more will be entered into a draw for a €300 voucher for Anu Wellness Hub in Barna, County Galway.
