Mayo Manchester group's Tony Hennigan enjoys impressive finish in River Moy Swim

TONY Hennigan from the Mayo Manchester Tourism and Business Group once again took part in the famous River Moy Swim in Ballina on Saturday.

The swim, which was organised by Swim Ireland, was part of the 61st Ballina Salmon Festival. Swim Ireland brought back the famous swim in 2018 with two different distances of 600 metres and 2,600 metres.

Tony Hennigan, who is aged 63, entered the 600 metre race and came second in his age group at 8 minutes and 46 seconds, with the first place swimmer faster by 18 seconds.

When asked about how he felt about the race and his time, Tony replied: “I was delighted to get such a fast time. This is my third time taking part in the River Moy Swim since 2018, and I have managed to do both the 2,600 metre and the 600 metre swims before. I have never completed the swim so fast before.

"I have been training in the lakes in Attymass, doing 500 metres most days, and I did a 1,200 metre swim in Keem Bay the day before the River Moy Swim.”

Mr. Hennigan said that the water conditions were good on the day and he thanked the army of volunteers.

“The River Moy was a lot warmer than Keem Bay but not as warm as the lakes in Attymass. It was a well organised race, and I loved the souvenir hat, t shirt and towel.

"Well done to all the volunteers.”