Fantastic day at Donegal Town Pier as locals and Ukrainians 'Try Something New'

Donegal Dragons was delighted to welcome dozens of young people and adults to the club’s Try Something New event.

The sun shone brightly at the Pier in Donegal Town on Saturday for an afternoon that began with the Blessing of the Boats by Rev Niall Coll and Rev David Huss. The clergy extended their blessing not only to the club’s three dragon boats and safety boats, but to all the boats and boat users in the Donegal Town Pier area. 

There was a great atmosphere at the pier as people met club members, chatted and enjoyed drinks and delicious home baking,

Mayor of Donegal Town Pauric Kennedy said: “Congratulations to Donegal Dragons on this fantastic Come and Try event. 

“It is particularly great to see the club welcome so many members of the Ukrainian community here through Think Equality.”
This was the first year that the club’s Come and Try day included youth members. The youth branch of the club is Donegal Dolphins, and was founded last year. It has proved very popular with those aged 11 and up. The Donegal Dolphins are currently training for their first Dragon Boat Regatta which will take place in Carlow on June 12. 

The adults were also delighted to welcome many new participants on Saturday. Both youth and adults were mixed with experienced paddlers on the beautiful dragons which can hold up to 20 paddlers, a drummer, and a helm.

Mayor Pauric Kennedy presented certificates to some of the 14 club members and supporters who completed training in powerboat driving safety boat operation last year.

“Well done to everyone who completed the course,” he said.

The club is grateful for funding from Donegal County Council’s Development Fund Initiative which allowed this vital training to take place. 

Dragon boating is a paddle sport with its origins in China more than 2,000 years ago, and it is a big part of life in the Far East. It is becoming increasingly popular around the world and is expanding very quickly in Ireland at the moment.

In the mid 1990s, an extensive study into sport participation following breast cancer surgery found dragon boating to be the most beneficial of all sports for those recovering from the disease. It was found to reduce lymphedema, and to lower the risk of breast cancer reoccuring. 

Dragon boating was also found to be hugely beneficial for improving overall health and fitness, and for emotional well-being. The act of paddling in perfect sync with a full crew, moving the boat forward, and improving strength and fitness together is hugely symbolic. It has been a huge part of building life after cancer for many people, and therefore dragon boating for breast cancer survivors has become a global movement. 

The Donegal Town club is open to everyone, men and women, young and old, with a view to supporting those members who are cancer survivors and providing a safe and supportive environment for all its members, whether or not they are cancer survivors. 

Anyone who wishes to see first hand the colour and excitement of a dragon boat regatta will be able to do so on July 30. After a two-year break, Donegal Dragons will be hosting their annual regatta at the Pier in Donegal Town, with teams signed up from all over the world. 

More information on club activities and events can be found on the Donegal Dragons Facebook page. 

The club wishes to thank its members, supporters from the wider community, local representatives and funding bodies for input which allows the club to continue its activities.