Latest news with #LiffeySwim
Irish Independent
4 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Independent
‘It's like a divorce – and the swimmers are the kids': Behind the bitter dispute over Dublin's iconic Liffey Swim
For decades, some of Dublin's most iconic open-water swimming events – including the Liffey Swim and the Dún Laoghaire Harbour Swim – have brought swimmers of all ages and backgrounds together.
The 42
22-07-2025
- Business
- The 42
Two swim organisations settle legal row over 'duplicate' Dublin swims
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS BETWEEN two swim groups over who is the rightful owner of two annual Dublin swims have reached a settlement. At the end of June, Leinster Open Sea (LOS) filed proceedings against Swim Ireland regarding the ownership of the annual Dublin City Liffey Swim and the Dún Laoghaire Harbour Swims. It included an application for an injunction to prevent Swim Ireland from organising 'duplicate' Liffey Swim and Dún Laoghaire Harbour races. Today, Swim Ireland has said that it is 'delighted' to announce that a settlement has been reached that 'unequivocally reaffirms Swim Ireland's proprietary rights and long-standing stewardship of these cherished events'. Advertisement There was confusion last year as both LOS and Swim Ireland ran competing Liffey Swims after a row broke out over who should host the landmark swim. Leinster Open Swim had been the organiser of the event for a number of years, but had done so recognised by Swim Ireland. Competitors wait on the quays to take part in the 90th Annual Liffey Swim through Dublin in 2009. Niall Carson / Alamy Stock Photo Niall Carson / Alamy Stock Photo / Alamy Stock Photo A rift between the two, which included Swim Ireland stating that it had 'governance concerns' over the operations of Leinster Open Sea, resulted in the separate bodies ploughing ahead and holding their separate swims at the same location. Swim Ireland's statement today said that it welcomed LOS's acknowledgement that 'Swim Ireland owns all property rights in both the Dublin City Liffey Swim and the Dún Laoghaire Harbour Swim, which have been running since 1920 and 1930 respectively'. It added that it is hopeful that 'all organisations involved in aquatic sports will eventually choose to operate within established national governance frameworks, ensuring consistency and fairness for all participants.' It extended an invitation to all clubs and organisations to affiliate and collaborate. Subject to final licence from the relevant local authorities, one Dublin City Liffey Swim and one Dún Laoghaire Harbour Swim, will proceed as scheduled for 2025, delivered by Swim Ireland. The Dún Laoghaire Harbour Swim is set for 3 August, and the Dublin City Liffey Swim for 13 September. Leinster Open Sea's legal representatives have been contacted for comment. Written by Emma Hickey and posted on
The Journal
22-07-2025
- Business
- The Journal
Two swim organisations settle legal row over 'duplicate' Dublin swims
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS BETWEEN two swim groups over who is the rightful owner of two annual Dublin swims have reached a settlement. At the end of June, Leinster Open Sea (LOS) filed proceedings against Swim Ireland regarding the ownership of the annual Dublin City Liffey Swim and the Dún Laoghaire Harbour Swims. It included an application for an injunction to prevent Swim Ireland from organising 'duplicate' Liffey Swim and Dún Laoghaire Harbour races. Today, Swim Ireland has said that it is 'delighted' to announce that a settlement has been reached that 'unequivocally reaffirms Swim Ireland's proprietary rights and long-standing stewardship of these cherished events'. There was confusion last year as both LOS and Swim Ireland ran competing Liffey Swims after a row broke out over who should host the landmark swim. Leinster Open Swim had been the organiser of the event for a number of years, but had done so recognised by Swim Ireland. Advertisement Competitors wait on the quays to take part in the 90th Annual Liffey Swim through Dublin in 2009. Niall Carson / Alamy Stock Photo Niall Carson / Alamy Stock Photo / Alamy Stock Photo A rift between the two, which included Swim Ireland stating that it had 'governance concerns' over the operations of Leinster Open Sea, resulted in the separate bodies ploughing ahead and holding their separate swims at the same location. Swim Ireland's statement today said that it welcomed LOS's acknowledgement that 'Swim Ireland owns all property rights in both the Dublin City Liffey Swim and the Dún Laoghaire Harbour Swim, which have been running since 1920 and 1930 respectively'. It added that it is hopeful that 'all organisations involved in aquatic sports will eventually choose to operate within established national governance frameworks, ensuring consistency and fairness for all participants.' It extended an invitation to all clubs and organisations to affiliate and collaborate. Subject to final licence from the relevant local authorities, one Dublin City Liffey Swim and one Dún Laoghaire Harbour Swim, will proceed as scheduled for 2025, delivered by Swim Ireland. The Dún Laoghaire Harbour Swim is set for 3 August, and the Dublin City Liffey Swim for 13 September. Leinster Open Sea's legal representatives have been contacted for comment. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Irish Times
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Times
Liffey Swim: Dispute over running annual event resolved, High Court hears
A dispute between two organisations over the right to run the annual Dublin city Liffey Swim has been resolved, the High Court has heard. Details of the settlement between Leinster Open Sea CLG and Swim Ireland were not disclosed in open court, but Mr Justice Rory Mulcahy was told the historic event would go ahead this year. Leinster Open Sea CLG, a volunteer sponsorship-funded body which organises about 30 sea races every year in partnership with local clubs, had brought proceedings against the Irish Amateur Swimming Association CLG, trading as Swim Ireland, the State-funded governing body for the sport.. Leinster Open Sea had sought orders restraining Swim Ireland from holding both the Liffey Swim and the Dún Laoghaire Harbour Swim. READ MORE As a result of the dispute, two separate Liffey swims took place last year. Dublin City Council, which grants permission for the event to go ahead, indicated it did not want the same thing to happen this year, the court previously heard. Both parties argued they held the rights to operate the Liffey Swim, which has occurred annually since 1920, and the Dún Laoghaire Harbour Swim. Last week, at the conclusion of a hearing into Leinster Open Sea's application for a temporary injunction against Swim Ireland, Mr Justice Mulcahy urged the parties to settle their differences, warning the event was at risk of not going ahead this year. On Tuesday, Michael O'Doherty BL, for Leinster Open Sea, told the judge the parties had settled their difference on Monday night. Mr O'Doherty said he spoke for both parties in thanking the judge for comments he made at last week's hearing, stating that it focused the minds of both sides in coming to a resolution. Counsel said the proceedings could be struck out with no further order. Peter Bland SC, for Swim Ireland, said his side was consenting to the strikeout, and added that the swims would go ahead this year.
Irish Independent
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Liffey Swim to go ahead this year as dispute over event rights is resolved, High Court hears
A dispute between two organisations over the right to run the annual Dublin city Liffey Swim has been resolved, the High Court has heard.
