Funding applications approved for new Carrick-on-Suir canoeing and kayaking club

The new Carrick-on-Suir Paddlers canoeing and kayaking club hosted its first Annual General Meeting last week at which members were informed about successful funding applications and progress in securing a premises.

Chairman Conor Power opened the meeting on Wednesday, January 11 by welcoming all in attendance and outlining the progress made by the club since the first public meeting to gauge the level of interest in the venture back in September.

Secretary Brian White informed members that recent applications for start-up funding have been successful and he thanked the Lions Club for its contribution. He said agreement has been reached in relation to use of a premises to establish a base for the Club.

Brian also went through the new club constitution highlighting that inclusivity is one of the core objectives of the club along with preservation of the local river environment and amenities.

Carrick Paddlers PRO Paddy Quigley told the AGM the intention is to build the club slowly and establish a good foundation for the future. He outlined why it is best that the club hold off from taking juvenile members for now until some club members gain the qualifications and experience required to bring children and teenagers out on the water.

He pointed out that younger paddlers will continue to be catered for by the existing professional providers that operate locally.
Canoeing Ireland Development Officer Steve Fahy was in attendance and congratulated the Club on its progress to date.

He made a presentation on starting up a club and the benefits of affiliation to Canoeing Ireland.
Steve also spoke about the different qualifications and proficiency grades, and the need for a club to nurture its own instructors.

He said Carrick Paddlers was doing the right thing by starting off small and getting established before introducing a juvenile section.

In the course of a discussion on different types of boats, the club’s Safety Officer Ralph O’Callaghan pointed out that all types of canoes and kayaks were suitable for around Carrick and that there was no need for anybody to rush off buying the more expensive boats.

For now, the club’s activity is concentrated on some indoor training in Carrick’s Sean Kelly Sports Centre swimming pool, where the water temperature is a little more comfortable than that of the Suir at present.

Conor Power pointed out that places are limited and that for now priority must go to members who are interested in becoming instructors and leaders in order for the club to become self-sufficient.

For further information on Carrick Paddlers Club you can contact any of the committee members mentioned, along with Treasurer Jacqui Walsh Gorman, Tom Treacy and Peter Coady or check Carrick Paddlers Facebook page.