Mar,2026
Members and friends of Gráinne Mhaol Dragon Boat Club turned out in fantastic numbers to support the Rotary Club of Castlebar’s recent table quiz fundraiser held in Garbo’s. The evening raised €2,500 towards the GMDB club.
These funds will go towards extending the Gráinne Mhaol Dragon Boat Club pontoon at Lough Lannagh. The extension will make launching the dragon boats safer and much easier for paddlers, particularly when water levels on the lake are high, removing the need to walk across temporary pallets and helping improve access to the boats for all members.
The response from club members was tremendous. The event was fully booked with 36 tables filled, creating a lively and fun atmosphere throughout the evening.
Dragons showed their usual community spirit by supporting the night in many ways. Many members attended on the night, bringing spot prizes with them, while others who couldn’t make it still got involved by dropping in spot prizes and raffle items in advance.
The club also contributed a beautiful hamper as one of the main raffle prizes which was gratefully acknowledged by Rotary. A special prize kindly donated by Regina — four dragon boat seat pads! — was particularly appreciated and went to one lucky dragon boat team.
Members also showed great support by digging deep into their pockets to purchase raffle tickets, helping to boost the fundraising total.
A sincere thank you to everyone who attended, donated spots and prizes, bought raffle tickets, or helped organise the event. The strong turnout and generosity once again shows the great spirit that exists within the Gráinne Mhaol Dragon Boat Club community.
Rotary Table Quiz Raises €2,500 for Gráine Mhaol Dragon Boat Club
Feb,2026
Click on blue Link below to go to Gráine Mhaol shop on McKvr
Gráine Mhaol Dragon Boat Shop
The Gráine Mhaol Dragon Boat Shop will be open the season (no closing date as of yet). All items can be ordered online with a quick turnaround of within 2 weeks. Audrey has a set of size 12 in the new items if anyone would like to try them on. Audrey describes the sizing as ‘true to size,’. The colours are bright and vibrant, all in our club colours across the tee, vest, singlet and technical top — and the quality is really lovely. …….Happy shopping!
NOTE: The bespoke items, pullover hoodie, full zip Hoodie and red bobble hat will be available to order for a period of two weeks only and on a separate link from Feb 23rd after our AGM.
The adult sizes (small/ medium/ large etc) are for males. The sizes (10, 12, 14 etc) have a slight female cut which looks great.
Audrey will bring the new items to the AGM for members to check out. Any other questions, shoot her a Whatsapp.
Well done to Audrey for all her hard work and McKVR’S Tommy O’Reilly and their Sales Account Manager Lindsay.
Gráine Mhaol Dragon Boat Shop
Feb,2026
A Big Outing for One of Our Boats — and Not on the Water
It’s not every day you come across a 42-foot dragon boat making its way through town — especially one flanked by 22 Mayo Dragon Boat Club members on foot.
On Saturday last , our members took on a challenge, moving our 22-person dragon boat across town to the Castlebar Men’s Shed, located behind the ATU and Hospital on the Old Dublin Road. What began as a simple plan quickly turned into a memorable community outing.
With support from An Garda Síochána, the boat safely crossed the main road before continuing along the quieter Old Dublin Road, taking a shortcut through St Teresa’s and the ATU campus. The final stretch involved hauling the boat up a steep hill — but this was easily managed thanks to the fantastic turn-out of our club members, it was very much a team effort from start to finish.
The weather was on our side, making the journey all the more enjoyable, and the good spirits and willingness to lend a hand were clear throughout the expedition.
On arrival at the Men’s Shed, our members were warmly welcomed and shown around their impressive facilities. The space is both practical and inviting — made all the more cosy by a roaring stove fire — and it’s easy to see the pride and care that goes into the work carried out there.
The Gráine Mhaol Dragon Boat Club is extremely grateful to the Castlebar Men’s Shed for taking on the repair work on our boat. Their skill and generosity, are very much appreciated. Thank you also to the Garda Siochána for their help.
Oct,2025
Last Friday, four of our own did something extraordinary for a cause that’s close to our hearts. Gerry Ryder, Ann Corless, Colette McTigue and Inara Poca clipped into their harnesses, stepped over the edge, and dropped 150 feet from the roof of Croke Park—all in support of Mayo Cancer Support.
Over 300k raised to date for the charity.
Graíne Mhaol sits 8th on the team leaderboard with €5,314 raised as of 4pm, Monday 13 October—just three days after the abseil!
Pic: Gerry Ryder descends in Croke Park
Why We Showed Up
It mattered to Louise Rodgers and to every member of Graíne Mhaol that our club got behind this event. Mayo Cancer Support has been there for members of our community, and several of our paddlers are cancer survivors. The team at Rock Rose House also kindly give us the use of their space for our committee meetings, free of charge. Friday was our chance to give something back—and our four dragons led the way.
Fundraising: A Club Effort
Our Dragons got behind the fab four, spreading the word and raising funds for the team. Each of the four abseilers not only took on the physical challenge, they also fundraised individually, rallying friends and family to the cause. Thanks to everyone who donated and shared the campaign.
Pride in Our Dragons
Let’s hear it for our fearless four — Gerry Ryder, Ann Corless, Colette McTigue, and Inara Poca!
Taking on a 150-foot scary drop from the roof of Croke Park isn’t exactly your average Friday outing, but they did it with smiles, steady nerves (mostly!), and a whole lot of heart. We’re so proud of you all and the way you represented Graíne Mhaol. You’ve inspired the rest of us to keep pushing boundaries — whether it’s on the water or dangling off a stadium roof!
What a day for Mayo!
A county that showed up! Friday’s event saw huge numbers take the challenge from all corners of Mayo. Mayo Cancer Support were blown away with the numbers and the generosity of contributors. As of Monday 13th October the fund is at €306,607 raised by 6963 supporters!
To everyone who organised, volunteered, donated, or shouted words of encouragement from below — thank you.
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