All Categories - Suir Dragon Paddlers - CRC

Introduction to Dragonboating

11/6/2019

Our free Introduction to Dragon boat racing for breast cancer survivors took place in the Clonmel Rowing club this evening Tuesday 11th June 2019.
Following an advertising blitz and Facebook campaign the response was immense with 16 newbies turning out to experience dragon boat racing for themselves and as a result we had two boats on the water with breast cancer survivors and supporters. It is truly a blessing to be part of a group of women ready to support each other and the club.
Everyone had a wonderful time on the water under the expert guidance of our helms, Mary & Joe and the evening was rounded off with a well deserved cuppa and sweet treats supplied by club members.
Thanks to everyone who came along, we hope you enjoyed your evening and look forward to welcoming you back.

Barrow Dragonboat Regatta

9/6/2019

What a great day we had in Carlow for the Barrow Dragonboat Regatta. We were very fortunate with the weather despite the forecast of rain. With Kathleen as crew manager, Chris helming and Elaine as team captain we were all excited for the day ahead as we competed in the Open Category against teams from Carlow, Dublin, Athy and Waterford.

The regatta was held in the beautiful location of Graigecullen on the banks of the Barrow in Carlow town with a great turnout which added to the atmosphere of the day with a total of 17 competing crews.

Our first round was an exciting race that had the three teams neck and neck until the finish line but unfortunately saw us pipped at the post into 3rd place.
We successfully won our second round although this round saw us hit (unfairly, we thought) with a time penalty of 3 seconds for missing a buoy. Round 3 saw us coming in 3rd position against 2 very strong teams from Athy and Carlow.

We didn’t bring home any silverware today but we did learn great things as a team: communication, focus, determination, leadership and best of all how to have fun. Thanks to each and everyone of our members today who gave 100% especially our newest members competing in their first regatta. You are a credit to yourselves and the club.

Suir Dragon Paddlers Host Helming Course

3/6/2019

Bank holiday Monday, 3rd June saw plenty of action on the River Suir with the Suir Dragon Paddlers hosting a helming course in order to train up new helms for the club.

Pat, Shelagh, Biddy and Noelle were joined with our friends from the Déise Buddies for a full day event that commenced at 9 am for the theory section of the course. From then on it was time to put the technical learning into practice and to get out on the water for the morning session. It was great to have so many paddlers available in order for the helms to experience steering the boat up and down river.

Under the expert guidance of Julie from the Irish Dragon Boat Association everyone was put through their paces and and the afternoon session saw Pat and Shelagh successfully achieve their full licence and Noelle and Biddy on provisional licences.
Congratulations Pat, Shelagh, Biddy and Noelle and well done on achieving your award.

Shelagh, Pat, Biddy and Noelle

VHI Mini Marathon

2/6/2019

Well done to Teresa, Theresa and Mary who took part in the VHI mini marathon on Dublin over the June bank holiday weekend.

Mary, Theresa & Teresa

In Memoriam

17/5/2019

On behalf of everyone at the Suir Dragon Paddlers CRC, we would like to offer our sincere condolences to our coach and mentor Dr Tino Castineira and his family on the recent bereavement of his beloved father.

Our thoughts and prayers are with him at this difficult time.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh an anam.

Lady Catherine's 6th Birthday Celebrations

9/4/2019

Sunday 7th April
Following on from our Sunday morning social paddle it was straight home and into the glad rags and off to celebrate a special birthday!

We had a wonderful time at Clonacody House with afternoon tea to celebrate the Lady Catherine’s 6th Birthday. Many thanks to Helen, Maureen and the staff for looking after us with a delicious array of savoury and sweet treats.

Summertime Training

9/4/2019

Sunday 7th April
This week saw us getting back out on to the river. Fortunately the river gods were looking favourably upon us and we were able to train on the river for the first time in weeks and conditions were perfect for our Sunday morning paddle.

Evening training is starting back over the coming days, alternating between Tuesday and Wednesday evenings so keep an eye out for notifications.

St. Patrick's Day Parade

21/3/2019

St Patrick may have chased the snakes out of Ireland but he definitely left a few dragons around!

Sunday 17th March dawned bright and sunny and what a relief that was for the Suir Dragon Paddlers and friends participating in the Clonmel St Patrick's Day Parade that took place from Irishtown at 3pm

All the preparations for the parade were completed in the club house before hand where members had gathered from 12.am to decorate the boats as well as themselves! We made for a very colourful display and we also had great support from the mini-dragons who looked fantastic in their costumes.

As usual the social committee went to great lengths to make sure a fantastic day was enjoyed by all. Check out the gallery for more photos of the day.

Care Cancer Support Centre Lunch 2019

2/3/2019

To be honest it doesn't take much to get us into the Gladrags but it was all in a good cause and so Friday 1st March saw the Suir Dragon Paddlers in Hotel Minella for the 17th Annual Care lunch and as usual the event was greatly supported. We enjoyed great food, guest speakers and a fashion show followed by entertainment in the bar but perhaps best of all we enjoyed each other's company.

Lady Catherine's Home

16/2/2019

Repairs are complete to the Lady Catherine and she's home and looking great! Well done to everyone who helped this morning and a special thanks to the Clonmel Rowing Club who helped with the lift.