Karen Reynolds and Serena Friel at Athlone Castle after they had completed their swimming challenge from Lanesborough to Athlone.

Westmeath women complete historic Lough Ree swim!

Published: Thu 26 Aug 2021, 9:30 AM

Last updated: Thu 26 Aug 2021, 9:33 AM

Athlone women Serena Friel and Karen Reynolds swam into their home town of Athlone to a heroes’ reception yesterday evening as they became the first females to swim the length of Lough Ree.

The pair embarked on their epic swimming challenge from Lanesborough at 7am and made excellent progress throughout the day, arriving at Athlone Castle earlier than anticipated at just after 5pm.

Serena, from Coosan, and Karen, from Iona Park, were taking part in more-than-32km swim in support of the new RNLI Life Boat Station at Coosan Point.

So far, just under €5,000 has been raised on their fundraising page, which can be found here.