On the 18th of June, 2020, the community of Charlestown was rocked by the shocking news of the tragedy of the death of Detective Garda Colm Horkan, R.I.P. Colm was a friend to all and a supporter of all things Charlestown, not in the least, Charlestown Swimming Pool.

Colm grew up spending many happy summer days swimming at Charlestown Swimming Pool in the days of the brown river water naturally heated by the sun and in the days of the cold clear reservoir water that required working up the nerve to get in to swim.

In 2016, Colm and some childhood friends took part in the Charlestown Swimming Pool Ice Jump Challenge by jumping into the ‘Arctic-like’ cold water for the last time before the refurbishment and subsequent heating of the pool.

Since 2017 Charlestown Swimming Pool is like new and it's heated. Colm continued to support the pool and was a powerful swimmer.

The 50th Anniversary of Charlestown Swimming Pool was celebrated in 2018 and once again Colin supported our 50KM challenge. Together with many more supporters, we smashed the 50K by swimming a cumulative 208KM!

In honour of our friend and supporter and in sympathy with the Horkan Family and friends who continue their avid support of our community, Charlestown Swimming Pool are hosting a #Swim4Colm fundraising event.

We invite you all to help us to smash the 208KM in memory of our great, kind, caring and supportive friend Colm. We also ask for you to make a donation in Colm’s memory. All proceeds from #Swim4Colm will be donated to the Colm Horkan Memorial Pitch & Walkway Project.

You, your family and friends, work colleagues and teammates are invited to swim your chosen distance in your chosen swimming pool*, lake, river, sea, or ocean any time from August 6th through August 26th, 2023. Please remember to never swim alone.

Here’s how you can help:

1. Swim your chosen distance at your chosen location.

2. Record Your Distance (Name, Swim Location, KMs)

3. Donate

4. Share your achievement on social media using #Swim4Colm, tag your family and friends to encourage their participation in this memorable event.

* Charlestown Swimming Poolhave additional lane swims for the 3 weeks of the challenge. The swims may be booked using Bookwhen. Swim4Colm Lane Swims cost only €3 or you can use your swim pass to book. Teams may book in for swims by contacting the pool on [email protected].