Nostalgia
More Swimming in the Archives
23, Jun 2013 - 10:49

A great response to the Lake Swimming photo submitted by Sean Smyth. Swimming seems to trigger lots of memories. Below is another thread remembering the opening of the outdoor pool in July 1966 - many of the same names crop up again.

The Outdoor Pool - photo by Jack Loftus.

Photo included in Faces and Places 1966-1970 one of many archive pages with hundreds of photos published by Jack Loftus here on Castlebar.ie.

The opening of the outdoor swimming pool on Marion Row in the 1960's - photo from JDP published here back in March 2003.

Some of the responses posted to the Nostalgia Board are shown below.

Posted by Reg on November 27, 2011 at 16:16:25:
The old swimming pool is mentioned on the other board.
Now that brings back some happy memories!

Compared to Lough Lannagh - where we tried every Summer to learn to swim (!) - the pool water was heated and the floor was smooth. And with real dressing rooms, we thought it was the the height of luxury at the time! It can't have been more than 15m in length, but to us kids it was Olympic size.

Posted by JDP on December 02, 2011 at 16:46:40:

These are great photos. I missed the original post. The swimming pool one was taken from on top of the spoil heap of excavated material which was left in front of the houses for a few years by the UDC. Like the top of the Reek made from clay.

The green was a favourite spot for football league matches and cricket palyed with home made bats.

Posted by Therese Ruane on November 30, 2011 at 20:43:08:

Wow ... that photo of the pool brings back memories. I used to tear into town on my bike every evening from Snugboro school once the pool opened for the summer. I learnt to swim there; I remember diving in and hitting the bottom of the pool and conking out one day but it never stopped me. It was the highlight of the day heading to the pool, regardless of the weather. Great memories ...

Posted by Mitch on November 30, 2011 at 12:26:14:

Is that Patrick Cresham in the middle and Brian Hoban at the end of the front row?

Posted by JDP on December 02, 2011 at 16:53:18:

L to R : Tom Fitzgerald, Spencer St., David Gilligan, Marian Row, Pat Heraty R.I.P. St. Bridget`s Cresc., Paraic (Scackie) Cresham R.I.P. McHale Rd., Breen Hoban Newtown, James Cahill Rathbán.

Posted by max on December 03, 2011 at 16:59:06:

Must have been a cold day JDP judging by the duffle coats in the background! I think I recognise John Dunne with a head of blonde hair and a duffle coat back there!!

Posted by Brian Hoban on November 30, 2011 at 09:38:37:

The pool was opened in July 1966 by Olympic medalist Ronnie Delaney. Members of Castlebar Swimming Club gave an exhibition on the day.

Photo includes Tom Fitzgerald, David Gilligan, Patrick Heraty, Pat Cresham, James Cahill and Brian Hoban. It was a proud day for us to have our very own pool. We spent many a summers day here.