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06 Sept 2025

Wow! Kilkenny family help raise €80,000 in swimming fundraiser

Splashathon fundraiser donates €80,000 to Children’s Health Foundation

 Top Water Babies Splashathon fundraiser Baby Niamh Rowe.Photo: Jenny Callanan Photography.

 Top Water Babies Splashathon fundraiser Baby Niamh Rowe dad PJ Rowe and her aunt Eveleen Rowe, Sandra and her son Barra. Photo: Jenny Callanan Photography.

Reporter:

Sian Moloughney

29 Jun 2025 3:26 PM

Email:

sian.moloughney@kilkennypeople.ie

Water Babies, Ireland’s leading baby and toddler swim school, proudly presented a cheque for €80,000 to Children’s Health Foundation following the success of its nationwide Splashathon 2025 fundraiser - with the help of swimmers in Kilkenny!
The funds raised support Children’s Health Foundation in providing every sick child in Ireland with the best possible care, through life-saving equipment, compassionate family support, and investment in leading-edge paediatric research.
One of Water Babies top fundraisers, proud dad PJ Rowe and baby Niamh  (pictured below) - who swims with her aunt Eveleen Rowe in Kilkenny - helped to present the cheque to the Children’s Health Foundation on behalf of Water Babies.
Held from April 7 to 13, 2025, Water Babies Splashathon invited little swimmers and their parents to dive in for a superhero-themed swimming challenge at Water Babies classes nationwide. Children dressed as their favourite heroes to raise funds and awareness in a fun, family-friendly way.
Carol McNally, Water Babies Ireland, said: "Splashathon is about more than just splashing in the pool — it's about making waves for a cause that touches the lives of so many. We are thrilled to present €80,000 to Children’s Health Foundation and support the incredible care given to sick children across Ireland. Over the past 16 years, our families have raised over €300,000 for children’s charities."
Nessa O'Reilly, Head of Strategic Giving at Children’s Health Foundation, added: "We are so grateful to the Water Babies community for their incredible generosity and support. These funds will help ensure that every sick child in Ireland has access to world-class care, the best possible equipment, and the support their families need."
The Splashathon campaign was supported by  Dublin GAA star Philly McMahon, who shared his family’s personal connection to Temple Street, and Water Babies parent Siobhan O’Hagan, founder of the Self Improvement Project.
For more information or to donate, visit www.waterbabies.ie/splashathon-2025

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