'Remarkable' Arranmore man who raised over €130,000 for charity passes away

An Arranmore man who was famed for ducking and diving for charity has sadly passed away, aged 85.

Paddy Conaghan, who won the World Open Water Swimming Association Man of the Year Award in 2023, passed away in hospital surrounded by his loving family.

He was nominated for his round-Ireland challenge, which saw him swim at as many piers and beaches as possible as he drove around the Irish coast starting in December 2021 and finishing in February of the following year.

At the time, Paddy suggested that anyone who's "just doing nothing - waiting for old age to catch up with them, just start doing something like sea swimming" because you will feel good after it.

Afterwards, he did the same challenge, only travelling clockwise around Ireland rather than anticlockwise. Paddy started these challenges following the death of his daughter, Angela Evans, in September 2020. 

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Angela lived in Wales with her husband Andy and two children, but sadly lost her battle with cancer. Paddy has done charity work for Marie Curie as a tribute to the district nurses who helped his daughter through the most difficult time. 

“Saddened to hear that my next-door neighbour has passed away after a short illness,” Paddy’s neighbour on Arranmore, Hugh Rodgers, posted. “Paddy spent most of his life working in tunnels. Donegal Tunnel Tigers committee honoured Paddy at their annual dinner dance in Dungloe for a lifetime spent in tunnels and for raising so much money for so many different charities. This was an award he was really proud of.

“He was a remarkable man who raised well over €130,000 for different charities. He captured the hearts of the nation, ducking and driving around Ireland, living and cooking in his small van. Hundreds of people joined him at different beaches throughout Ireland, donating money and encouraging him along the way

“To do this when you’re young would have been considered a huge accomplishment. But to do it in your 80s in the middle of winter was remarkable. Condolences to Elaine Barney, who organised Paddy's daily swims and who made people aware of places and times where Paddy would be swimming. Condolences to all of Paddy’s family and extended family, the likes [of whom] we will never see again.”