Marilyn Monroe Lookalikes Irish Charity Swim
Nearly 200 Marilyn Monroe lookalikes plunged into teh Irish Sea at Balcarrick beach in Donabate, County Dublin, for the annual Marilyn’s Mater Paddle, a charity swim dedicated to supporting women’s cancer care. This unique event, now in its second year, saw participants don blonde wigs and retro swimsuits, raising crucial funds for Dublin’s Mater Hospital. The primary_keyword is women’s cancer care. The goal is to accelerate diagnosis and improve the quality of treatment options. Discover how this creative fundraising initiative is bolstering the hospital’s efforts, providing essential equipment, and aiding patient support. The secondary_keyword is charity swim. The News Directory 3 covers the event’s key moments, like Roisin Duffy emphasizing the paddle’s impact. Organizers aim to continue the event,increasing participation and expanding support. Discover what’s next for this Hollywood-themed fundraising event.
marilyn Monroe Lookalikes Charity Swim Supports Women’s Cancer Care
Updated May 25, 2025
Nearly 200 women sporting blond wigs and retro swimsuits recently gathered at Balcarrick beach in Donabate, County Dublin, for a unique fundraising event. The Marilyn’s Mater Paddle, now in its second year, saw participants dressed as Marilyn Monroe taking a dip to raise money for women’s cancer care at Dublin’s Mater hospital.
the goal of the charity swim is to bolster the hospital’s efforts in accelerating cancer diagnosis, improving treatment options, and delivering top-tier care to women across Ireland. Roisin Duffy, director of growth at the hospital’s foundation, emphasized the event’s significance.

The Mater Hospital Foundation focuses on acquiring life-saving equipment, redeveloping the hospital, advancing research and innovation, and enhancing patient and family support. Duffy noted that funds raised contribute to providing essential items, such as IV drips and cooling fans, as well as state-of-the-art mammogram machines for cancer patients.
“We are incredibly humbled by the sisterhood of marilyns who gathered in Donabate this morning for women’s cancer care. Marilyn’s Mater Paddle may seem on the surface like just a fun, Hollywood-themed dip but it’s so much more. It’s a paddle with a purpose and every splash and every donation made is helping us support women on their cancer journey in the Mater hospital,” Duffy saeid.
What’s next
Organizers plan to continue the Marilyn’s Mater Paddle as an annual event, aiming to increase participation and further support women’s cancer care through fundraising and awareness initiatives.
