Aug,2024
August 12th to 18th is HERS outdoors week and Gráine Mhaol Dragons are running 3 sessions for ladies to come and try dragon boating for this week. The first session was on Tues 13th and 13 ladies turned up for the event. The girls were put through their paces with instruction and demonstration before getting the boat on the water. They definitely had their weetabix that morning because each of them responded very well to all the commands etc on the boat. Not one of them bashed their paddle off the paddle behind and that is a complete success for a first time paddling group! Sat a.m.17th will have 2 sessions, the first one being at 9 a.m and the second one is at 9.45a.m. The first session again is for all women in the community that would like to give it a try and the second session is for our International ladies, living in the community. The Club are so happy to have all these new ladies on board to share in the fun and the pure joy that is Dragon boating.
Jun,2024
32 of the Gráine Mhaol Dragon boat club hit the Quay, Westport on June 9th where we met the fantastic Muriel with her amazing wealth of knowledge of all things Westport. Muriel gave us a brief talk on the area and we took off from there into the grounds of the magnificent Westport House. Walking through the grounds we stopped off at the statue of our idol Grace O Malley – Grainne Mhaol / Granuaile , the Pirate Queen from whom we took our name. After a brisk half an hour walk, we arrived at the Wyatt Hotel in the town of Westport, where we had a fab meal , great food, service and value.
During the meal Muriel gave us a very interesting account of the history of Westport in detail and it completely opened our eyes as to how historically important the town and it’s forefathers have been, to shape the times we now live in. Fed and watered, we took to the hoof again for another brisk walk out to the Quay to where our cruise on Clew Bay was to take off from.
Westport Cruises took us out around the bay with Tom King at the Helm, guiding us around the many points and Islands. He highlighted all the places of interest and gave the historical account of Westport from a sea faring point of view. He brought us to the seal colony and also to see John Lennons Island and told us the interesting story of that little spot. No more than Muriel,Tom is a very good story teller so he made the journey very interesting and even the ‘soft damp’ weather didn’t affect the experience, with nearly half the group out on deck for the trip! Oh what a hardy bunch, they are. Photos of the day can be viewed in Gallery.
May,2024
Our Ukrainian friends help with preparations for Athy, pictured with the ornate Dragon’s Head for the bow of the boat.
The first event of the year, the Athy Dragon Boat Regatta took place on Sun, 5th May 2024. The Athy Regatta is held on the River Barrow, Emily Square, Athy, Co Kildare. The Gráine Mhaol club attend this regatta every year.
The weather in Athy was fabulous and the day was very enjoyable. The Club had a great performance this year and continue to improve each year.
A large selection of photos were taken of preparing for the regatta and in Athy. Photos were taken by paddlers and our member, Adrienn Hártó. The photos are now available for viewing on our website PHOTO GALLERY.
Apr,2024
A big thanks to Julie and Mick, Louise, the committee and all involved in running today’s course. Also thanks to Mayo Sports Partnership and the Castlebar Adventure Hub.
Members agreed we all learned loads and hopefully we will improve our paddling technique and ace the Athy Regatta!
Thanks to Lough Lannagh for providing a super lunch.
Adris was club photographer on the day, check out her excellent photos in our Photo Gallery – click on link below
Extra exercises for Dragon Boaters at home – link from by Adris https://dragonanalytics.com.au/exercises-for-dragon-boaters-at-home/
