Ballina Dragon Boat Club Community Open Day – Sunday, October 1

Dragon Boating was introduced in Ireland in the 1990’s and has grown steadily since. The sport is associated with supporting people who have been impacted by breast cancer and is a fun activity in which anyone can participate. If you can sit on a boat and hold a paddle you can be a crew member! Dragon boats are canoe-like vessels with 20 paddlers, a steersperson and a drummer.

Ballina Dragon Boat Club: Meitheal Abhainn (River Community) was established on 8th May 2023. Initiated by Denise Swanick, a Meitheal was formed to set up the club in a way that is accessible to all, and to date, even at this early stage, the club has amassed over 60 members from all walks of life! a volunteer led non-profit club. It is inclusive of all aged 18+ and has been established to support the community, people impacted by cancer and those who have been impacted by the recent pandemic at every level.

The Ballina Dragons’ ethos is ‘Meitheal Abhainn’ (River Community). The club’s crew is the paddlers, drummer, steersperson, coach, sponsors, family, friends and community and the Ballina community has been incredibly generous to date in supporting with finance, expertise and product. 

In the words of President Mary Robinson ‘ somebody who seems strong is not always strong. There are moments when one can be weak and need the friendship of friends and their support. Ballina Dragons are paying forward with gratitude and believe they can leave a legacy of kindness, understanding and connectedness using the medium of Dragon Boating. 

Ballina Dragons will formally launch the club on 30th September 2023 at Glasgow Kennedy House. On Sunday, October 1, they would like to invite everyone along to Kennedy Glasgow House to introduce the club’s new dragon boat, the sport of dragon boating, and to hear about their journey so far. Who knows, you might even want to join yourself! 

This event is supported by the Ballina 2023 Community Event Fund.