News

The Plurabelle Paddlers travelled to the beautiful Co. Kildare town of Athy for the club’s first race of the season: the Athy Regatta. The Plurabelles had two teams in the regatta – the Plurabelle Paddlers came fourth in a competitive women’s category, with the Purebelles securing silver (behind Carlow Dragons in a closely fought final).

The Athy Regatta was a wonderful opportunity for Plurabelles to meet old paddling friends and to make many new ones. Yes, there was fierce competition, but there was also lots of fun and laughter too. It was great to see and paddle against the other Dragon Boat teams. Thanks to the IDBA for another terrific regatta.

Rosemary Phelan has been named as this year’s recipient of the Spirit of Plurabelle award (as nominated by club members). The beautiful trophy was presented to Rosemary in memory of Fiona Tiernan, who, along with Marian O’Dea and Julie Doyle, founded the club thirteen years ago. The award was presented to Rosemary by Fiona’s son Oscar, who, as a child, regularly drummed on the boat.

As a sports club, the Plurabelle Paddlers love to race and compete. The fact that the Plurabelle Paddlers have two teams racing in the Athy Regatta is testament to Rosemary’s hard work and dedication. She has worked tirelessly over the years to ensure that all club members are prepared and are in top shape for each race.

Thank you, Rosemary, for all that you have done for the Plurabelles and congratulations on your very well-deserved award.

The resumption today of midweek evening training was a welcome sign of Springtime and of longer days. Two boatloads of Plurabelles headed out on the dock for an intense training session before the sun set over Dublin and our beautiful Grand Canal Dock.

We’re delighted for – and very proud of – Plurabelle Paddler, Marion Egan, who has been announced as the new IBCPC National Representative to Ireland. Marion takes over from Donegal Dragons’ Deborah Bonner. A long-time friend of the Plurabelles, Deborah has done a terrific job in promoting the IBCPC and BCS paddling in Ireland since 2017. The responsibility now rests on the very capable shoulders of Marion – a super paddler, helm and a much-loved and respected member of the Plurabelle Paddlers. The IBCPC is lucky to have Marion on board, as are all BCS paddlers in Ireland. Best of luck in your new role, Marion!

The Plurabelle Paddlers team travelling to Spain for the Barcelona Dragonboat Festival in May 2023 has been announced.

Under Team Managers Margaret Mulcahy (waterside) and Mairead O’Riordan (landside), the 22+ strong team are already training hard for races on both the Saturday (Senior Women’s 500m) and the Sunday (2 x 10 person BCS category).

The Plurabelle Paddlers have their sights set firmly on medal success . . . so, fellow competitors, you have been warned!

The Plurabelle Paddlers were delighted to once again participate in the All In A Row fundraiser that raises money for the RNLI and the Underwater Search and Recovery Unit. The Plurabelle Paddlers joined two Dublin Viking dragon boats and countless rowing boats, kayaks and canoes in a large flotilla that travelled up the River Liffey to the very heart of Dublin City, passing under numerous iconic Dublin bridges, including the Samuel Beckett Bridge, the O’Connell Street Bridge and the Ha’penny Bridge. It was a wonderful experience for the Plurabelles, who not only got to see Dublin City from a very different viewpoint but who also got to experience using the 226-year-old lock to get from the Grand Canal Dock to the nearby River Liffey.