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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VIEW GRAÍNE MHAOL YOUTUBE CHANNEL
Aug,2025
A super evening paddle on Lough Lannagh with our fab participants from HER Outdoors. Great fun and great paddling….well done to all the ladies that took part.
August 12th 2025
HER Outdoors week aims to celebrate and encourage more females to get out and enjoy the benefits of being in the outdoors while bringing visibility to the opportunities for females to get involved in outdoor physical activity. In 2025 the week took place 11th to the 17th of August.
Whatever you do, make sure to #FindYourOutdoors #EmbraceYourSpace.
Gráine Mhaol is a member of the Irish Dragon Boat Association. The club is supported by Mayo Sports Partnership, Mayo County Council, Castlebar Councillors and Lough Lannagh Village.
Jul,2025
We’re excited to announce that Graine Mhaol Dragon Boat Club is launching an online club shop in the coming weeks in partnership with our gear supplier, McKvr. To kick things off, we’re offering our members an exclusive limited-time opportunity to PRE-ORDER CLUB GEAR PACKS at discounted prices—before the online shop goes live.
NOTE: The packs are only available to order UNTIL WEDNESDAY 13TH AUGUST—don’t miss out!
Gear Packs vs. Online Club Shop – What’s the Difference?
- Gear Pack Offer: The PACKS offer the best value, while the shop will offer more flexibility to buy individual items.
- No Personalisation (Initials) on Packs: As the gear packs are ordered in bulk, it’s not possible to add initials to any items. However, you’ll have the option to personalise each item with your initials for an extra €3.00 per initials.
- Gear Packs include free delivery. Online shop orders will have a small postage charge (approx. €5.00 for an order).
Gear Pack Details
Click here to view the Gear Pack and contents of each pack.
Pack One – T-shirt & Bobble Hat – OFFER €45 (Full: €61)
Pack Two – Pullover Hoodie & Bobble Hat – OFFER €75 (Full: €88)*
Pack Three – Full Zip Hoodie, T-shirt & Bobble Hat – OFFER €90 (Full €126)*
Pack Four – A Premium Rain Jacket – OFFER €60 (Full €72)
* PLEASE NOTE
The HOODIES (full zip/ pullover) are interchangeable between PACKS 2 and 3 – just specify your preference (on envelope) if ordering either of those Packs.
Timeline & Ordering Info
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Pre-order Gear Pack: Opens Monday 28th July – closes on Wed 13th August
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Delivery time: Estimated 6 weeks after order cut-off
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Payment: Must be made in full at the time of order
How to Place an Order and Pay
Click here to view the Gear Pack and contents of each pack.
- Choose your Gear Pack from the PDF here.
- Sizes include: Female 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 etc True to Size…..(Male and Female sizing available!)
- Pay the full amount in cash to Audrey Maughan before the cut-off date – 13th AUGUST
- Pay before training session – cash in an envelope, with your name, clothing size and Pack Number on the outside.
- Please note: orders cannot be processed without full upfront payment.
Click here to view the Gear Pack and contents of each pack.
For any questions about your order, please contact Audrey Maughan.
Jul,2025
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
Jul,2025
On Saturday, July 19th, the Graine Mhaol Dragons travelled north to take part in a fantastic day of racing at the Donegal Dragon Boat Regatta. Set against the stunning backdrop of Donegal’s waterways, the event brought together teams from across the country for a day of sport and fun, with 500 attendees.
Our crew put in a strong performance on the water and soaked up the warm welcome and lively atmosphere throughout the day. It was a brilliant opportunity to connect with other clubs, enjoy some friendly competition, and represent Mayo with pride.
Our club fielded a full regatta crew, securing a win in one race and placing second in another — a fantastic result on the day. In addition, two Graine Mhaol Dragons members joined a composite team made up of paddlers from various clubs, with Jerry Cowley joining the Bourne Dragons. Remarkably, the composite team took second place in one of their races — an impressive achievement considering it was their first time paddling together.
Overall our main crew improved their PB from the Athy regatta. A big shout out to Adris and Audrey for leading the team into the competition.
View photos from the regatta: Click here to see album
