A Note from Audrey – Donegal Regatta Reflections
Following our crew’s participation in the Donegal Regatta on June 19th, team manager Audrey Maughan sent a lovely WhatsApp message to paddlers and supporters. With her usual encouragement, she captured the spirit of the day — pride in our performance, the strength of our teamwork and that unmistakable Graine Mhaol energy.
We’re sharing her message here (hopefully with Audrey’s blessing!) as it beautifully sums up what the day meant to so many of us:
“A lot of very happy people in all the Donegal photos. Especially me! Excited about how well we paddled overall and, more especially, about the camaraderie and all round good Gráine Mhaol vibe. A special thanks to Noel and Jean and Miriam and Mickey who did a fair bit of the lifting on the ground to make the day more enjoyable for the rest of us. Much appreciated. 🙏🙏 While the day was shorter than usual (regattas usually work on minimum 3 races for all) it was different and full of positive energy overall.
Looking forward to seeing you all back at training next week and also … upping the ante in terms of how many members might now take the brave step to join this regatta group!! Our Intermediate team look more than promising for helping us field two teams for next day out in Lough Rynn!! … A good place to be. Thank you paddlers for your commitment and hard work.”
Thank you, Audrey and Adris for leading our regatta crew both on and off the water.
Left to Right: Audrey Maughan and Adris