The century-old Liffey Swim tradition continued today as over 500 swimmers competed in the annual Dublin competition. 

Organisers said 522 people competed this year, 219 women and 303 men. 

Both races saw swimmers race from Rory O’More Bridge by Watling Street to the steps of the Custom House on North Wall Quay. 

Rosanne Marshall took home the gold in the women’s race while Ronan Dalton won the men’s race. 

Ms Marshall told Newstalk she thought her win was “unexpected”. 

“I've been doing this for 18 years, and it’s the All-Ireland for swimming so there’s no higher privilege or honour,” she said. 

“I think second and third were very hot on my heels, but it was just that last push under the O’Connell Bridge, I knew I was in the lead.” 

Winner Rosanne Marshall at the annual Liffey Swim competition, 02/09/2023. Image: Jason Clarke Photography.

To qualify for the annual race, swimmers must have completed six open-sea races across the coast organised by Leinster Open Sea over the summer prior to the big race. 

Event Organiser Brian Nolan said the atmosphere is “electric” along the Liffey. 

“There will thousands there,” he said. 

“As the race gets towards the end to the boardwalks and bridges, you can see the numbers swelling. 

“The race really starts from capel street, when the faster guys start catching the slower ones.” 

Swimmers in the Liffey River underneath the Ha'Penny Bridge, 02/09/2023. Image: Jason Clarke Photography.

The race was commentated by previous winner Colm O’Brien, who said the race is “indelibly linked” to the famous ‘Liffey Swim’ painting by 1924 Olympic Silver Medallist Jack B. Yeats. 

Previous swims had many concerned about the water quality of the Liffey River, but swimmers today told Newstalk it looked like a “good swim”. 

“It looks clean at the moment, to be fair,” he said. 

“It’s glorious today,” another man said. “And a great buzz.” 

“I’ve been doing this for 25 years and I’m 38 now."