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About:

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The mid 1990s saw the dying off of a once vibrant open water swim scene in Sligo when the last Garavogue river swim took place.  ​​​​It remained in the doldrums until 2009 when the first Metalman Swim Series race took place in 2009 with 15 swimmers. The aim of the founder, Shane O'Doherty, was to promote open water swimming in sligo and bring together the existing talent and encourage newcomers.  The seeds of the swim series did indeed see swimming flourish again in sligo, with the Channel Cup Swim (2km), Lough Gill Swim (10km), Lighthouse Swim (2.5km) and Warrior of the Sea (6km) all taking place in 2013.
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Partners
The event has grown from 15 swimmers in 2009 to 180 in 2014 and this huge growth would simply not be possible without the generous assistance of our event partners. The organising committee continues to be led by Shane O'Doherty with assistance from Sligo Civil Defence and Sligo Kayak Club. Both groups are instrumental in making this arguably the safest swim race in Ireland.

 

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Metalman?

 

Sligo Bay features the well known Metalman navigational marker which is iconic in the bay and stands approximately 13 feet tall. Find out more by clicking on the image.
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Prizes?
Non cash prizes (vouchers and trophies) will be awarded in the Sprint and Distance Leagues for top three men and women as well as appropriate age group prizes. Age group prizes will be based on your finish in the final race on 21st June and not overall point. We may have spot prizes depending on number of sponsors. The swimmer with the most points will win the Brendan Currid perpetual trophy. In the event of a tie on points in any category, placing will be decided by head to head results.

​Ocean FM Preview

Organisers at the Metalman Statue
for 2015 Launch
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