The five members of Ballybunion Swim Club who will take on a challenge in aid of Kerry Hospice this June.FIVE young swimmers from North Kerry will take on an extraordinary endurance challenge this June, as they swim the equivalent of a half marathon — 21.1 kilometres — in aid of Kerry Hospice / Palliative Care.
The group — Cathal Slattery, Ewan Kennelly, Noah Connolly, Adam Burns and JJ Liston all members of Ballybunion Swim Club, will complete the challenge at Ballybunion Leisure Centre on Sunday, June 14, starting at 1pm.
Aged between 14 and 16, the boys train together several times a week and have developed a strong friendship through their shared commitment to swimming.
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Now, they are channelling that dedication into a fundraising effort aimed at making a meaningful difference in their community.
The idea for the challenge was inspired by personal experiences within the group. Cathal’s family benefited from the care and compassion of the Palliative Care team when his grandfather, Seán Cahill, received support before his passing in 2013.
Similarly, Adam’s family also experienced the invaluable support of the service. These experiences have motivated the boys to give something back by supporting the ongoing work of Kerry Hospice / Palliative Care.
Cathal, who is a Transition Year student at Causeway Comprehensive School and a Tralee & Kerry Lions Club Young Ambassador for 2025/26, said he is proud to take on the challenge alongside his teammates, describing them as a close-knit group who have supported each other throughout their training.
The boys have expressed their sincere gratitude to Ballybunion Leisure Centre for their generous support in providing a dedicated lane for the challenge.
All funds raised will go towards the development of five new bedrooms currently under construction at the Palliative Care Unit in Tralee, helping to ensure more families can receive comfort, dignity and support during difficult times.
Members of the public are encouraged to support the initiative by donating online or by sharing the boys’ story. An iDonate page has been set up, and sponsorship cards are also available.
Donations can be made at: https://www.idonate.ie/profile/swimforkerryhospice
The swim begins at 1pm on Sunday, June 14, and local supporters are warmly invited to attend and show their encouragement.
