04/06/2026
We often talk about confidence as something we build ourselves. In reality, confidence is often borrowed first.
It comes from seeing someone like us achieve something we once thought was beyond our reach.
As the open water season gets into full swing, it’s fitting to celebrate two members of our swim Nation/Swim Smooth community who continue to inspire others through both their achievements and their example.
A huge congratulations to Mark Dunleavy and Eoin Lorigan, who were recently recognised at the Irish Long Distance Swimming Association awards.
Mark was honoured for his successful English Channel crossing, a swim of at least 34km, achieved after overcoming the disappointment of a previous unsuccessful attempt. Eoin was recognised for his 10.5km marathon swim from Aughinish, Co. Clare, to the Diving Tower in Salthill, Galway.
While the certificates recognise remarkable swims, they don’t tell the whole story.
Both men are pillars of our community. They encourage newcomers, support fellow swimmers and are always willing to share not just their successes, but also the challenges, doubts and setbacks they faced along the way.
Since Mark’s Channel crossing, more members of our community have committed to their own English Channel journeys. That’s the power of visible, relatable role models!
Swimming may be what brings us together, but confidence, resilience and self-belief are what keep us moving forward.
Congratulations, gentlemen. Your achievements are impressive, but the example you set for others may be even more valuable.