Champion swimmer teams up with Nangor Road company

A QUIRKY coincidence has led to a champion swimmer teaming up with a Clondalkin company that bears the same name.

Swimmer Tara Slevin is being supported by Clondalkin company Tara Slevin Group, who are sponsoring the champion athlete ahead of her upcoming swim across the English Channel.

The achievements of Ms Slevin caught the attention of the Tara Slevin Group, a leading promotional products company, led by brothers Eddie and Frank Slevin.

The Nangor Road company is providing Tara with branded clothing and items to assist her in this daunting challenge.

Tara Slevin has already made a name for herself in the world of open water swimming.

In 2021, she secured first place among female participants in the annual Liffey Swim in Dublin, finishing with a remarkable time of 30 minutes and 41 seconds.

However, the English Channel swim will be a gruelling test of endurance that pushes swimmers to their limits both physically and mentally.

The 32-45-kilometer journey from Dover, England, to the coast of France is notorious for its unpredictable tides and challenging weather conditions.

Depending on these factors, the distance may vary. Tara Slevin anticipates swimming non-stop for an estimated duration of 12-16 hours.

Throughout this feat, she will not be permitted to touch the support boat or crew, and the water temperature ranges from a chilly 12-16 degrees Celsius.

Eddie Slevin set up the Slevin Group in 1982 initially supplying office stationary supplies.

An Irish family company, Eddie has help from his long-time business collaborator and brother Frank Slevin, the man who helped set up the first ever women’s Dublin City Marathon in 1983.

The pair were the former owners of Bray Wanderers football club for many years, winning the FAI Cup in 1990 versus St Francis 3-0 in front of 30,000 fans, and again in 1999 after a second replay versus Finn Harps 2-1.

Frank (81) is still involved in athletics today, putting together last minute preparations at their company premises for the next Irish Life Dublin Race Series 2023, in Corkagh Park, 5 mile race, on Sunday, June 18.

Frank said: “The Team at Tara Slevin Group would like to wish Tara the very best of luck in her challenge of taking on the English channel swim and we will be following and supporting her all the way.”

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