23/06/2026
Today would have been the 87th of Birthday of one of the greatest champions of Templemore Baths, Ronnie Jones
Ronnie was born in 1940 and learnt to swim at Templemore Baths alongside many other local children. His love for swimming led him to continuing his lessons after school, and working in the bath's laundry in exchange for time in the pool to practice.
His love of swimming led him to join the East End Swimming Club and in 1957, he won the 440 yards Ulster Freestyle title. In 1958, we went on to represent the Northern Irish Team in the Commonwealth Games in Freestyle swimming. By 1959, joined the Neptune Swimming Club. He also played amateur water polo alongside the swimming.
During the renovation of the baths in 2020, Ronnie was here as often as possible to make sure the builders were doing a good job to restore his beloved baths. His wife said that Ronnie always said he had two homes - his house, and Templemore.
Ronnie was an integral part of the Templemore story, and we want to express our many thanks that we are able to share Ronnie's life with east Belfast and beyond for many more years to come.
Thank you Ronnie π