*Vincent O’Rourke and Karl Fogarty. Photograph: Joe Buckley
SHANNON Leisure Centre kicked off celebrations for their fiftieth year by marking a milestone achievement for its longest and most loyal member Vincent (Vinny) O’Rourke.
To celebrate this lifetime achievement, Shannon Leisure Centre presented Vinny with a commemorative trophy, a goody bag of merchandise and free membership for the rest of his life.
Vinny was presented with his award at a surprise party at Shannon Leisure Centre on Friday surrounded by his friends and family. “I’m completely taken by surprise,” Vinny said, reflecting on the celebrations marking his 50 years as a member. “It’ll take some time to come down again. I’m feeling very special with all these newspapers and photographers”.
Originally from Limerick, Vinny moved to Shannon to work as a customs officer in Shannon Airport at the age of 28, and fifty years later he still swims at Shannon Leisure Centre daily.
Vinny’s family have also been involved in the Leisure Centre in some capacity since settling in Shannon in 1974. Vinny’s sons were avid swimmers much like himself, Eugene went on to compete in National swimming competitions and Damien worked in the swimming pool for a period of time before changing fields to work in radio. This family tradition still lives on as Vinny has paid for each of his grandchildren living in Shannon to attend swimming lessons.
Sinéad O’Connor, Vinny’s daughter in law explained, “Vinny paid for the lessons when they were babies and they attended lessons in the leisure centre all the way up to their teens and most of them are still going”.
Karl Fogarty, manager of the centre, highlighted Vinny’s importance to the community. “This year we are celebrating fifty years in business, and Vinny has been here since day one,” Karl said. “To have someone for fifty years is rare. It’s a testament that people are comfortable and believe in what we’re doing, the fact they continue to come here day in and day out”.
Vinny’s presence at the centre has been consistent through the years, even as the centre expanded and faced the challenges of rising costs. Karl recalls a special memory: “One of my fondest memories of Vinny is when we had to increase our prices. He would always reach out to check if my maths were correct.”
“Health and wellness are not just about exercise,” Karl explained. “They’re about community, connections, and consistency. Vinny is a shining example of all three”.
All photographs by Joe Buckley
