< DAN DOONER

Lough Ree Orcas swimmer, Ger Moore, embarked on a gruelling adventure last Sunday which will see him swim from the very top of Lough Allen all the way to Limerick City in a bid to raise funds for mental health charities Jigsaw and Pieta House.

Cheered on by members of the public and a dedicated team of supporters, Ger hopes to complete this daunting challenge in just two weeks.

Speaking to the Roscommon People, just before entering the water last Sunday, Ger said he has been busy in recent months preparing for this mammoth swim.

“My plan is to swim from the top of Lough Allen and swim past King John’s Castle in Limerick City on July

1st, a swim distance of approximately 250km,” he said.

“I am also undertaking this challenge in skins, i.e. without the aid of a wetsuit.

I believe this will be the first attempt at swimming the length of the River Shannon without the aid of a wetsuit.

“I am not taking this challenge lightly and have been training hard in preparation for this swim over the past year with friends from Lanesboro Triathlon Club, Coman’s Masters Swimming Club and in the open water with the Lough Ree Orcas swim group”.

Ger said he had been alternating between feeling anxious and feeling excited “about ten times a day” but was looking forward to taking on the challenge.

“There is no such thing as a solo swim, as without the support of family and