More than 100 swimmers compete in Carrick-on-Suir charity river races

More than 100 swimmers from all over Ireland cooled off from the sweltering heat by racing in the River Suir in Carrick-on-Suir last Saturday afternoon. 

The occasion was the annual Barry McCarthy Charity Swims run by  Carrick-on-Suir Triathlon Club in   conjunction with Carrick-on-Suir Social & Literary Club.  

The swim races over 500m 750m and 1500m  took place along the stretch of the river at Sean Healy Park. 

Garry McCarthy, twin brother of the late Barry McCarthy, a  former Carrick Triathlon Club chairman,  said the river and its banks resembled a scene from the Mediterranean such was the sunshine and high temperatures.

 And the heat wasn't only felt on the river bank. The races were very hotly contested, Garry reported. 

After the races, swimmers and their supporters enjoyed a barbecue run by the  Social & Literary Club. 

Mr McCarthy thanked Carrick  River Rescue for all the support and help its volunteers gave them, the Sean Kelly Sports Centre for the use of their facilities and all their sponsors.  

He also thanked everyone who helped to make the charity swims a great day out on the banks of the River Suir. 

The event raised €270 for South Tipperary Hospice. 

The Barry McCarthy Swims are used by many triathletes as  preparation for Carrick-on-Suir Triathlon, which is this year celebrating its 25th anniversary. 

The Triathlon takes place on Sunday, August 5 at 1.30 pm. 

Swim Races results 

Men's 1500m race: 1st Luke Bennett, Waterford Triathlon Club; 2nd Alan Ryan, Wexford; 3rd, Joseph Morgan. 

Women's 1500m: 1st Roisin O'Brien, Kilkenny Triathlon Club; 2nd Sarah Whelan, Clonmel Triathlon Club;  3rd Bernie Power, Waterford Triathlon Club. 

Men's 750ms: 1st Alan Smith, Waterford; 2nd Oscar Young, Kilkenny Triathlon Club; 3rd Conor Power, Carrick Dippers. 

Women's 750m: 1st Catherine Molloy, Waterford; 2nd Niamh O'Brien, Waterford Triathlon Club; 3rd Niamh McCullagh. 

Men's  500m: Shane Molloy, Waterford; Trevor Downey, Waterford; Victor Young, Kilkenny Triathlon Club. 

Women's 500m: 1st Siobhan Hahessy, Tried & Tested  Club, Dungarvan; 2nd Rebecca Purcell, Clonmel Triathlon Club; 3rd Sinead Flanagan, Tried & Tested, Dungarvan. 

Best Overall Female: Bernie Power, Waterford Triathlon Club;  Best Overall Male, Luke Bennett Waterford Triathlon Club

Entries can now be submitted on the Triathlon Ireland website.