Come and Try
A great way to get fit and active
With a gradual programme of upper-body exercise, those treated for breast cancer can improve movement in areas affected by surgery or radiation.
With this in mind, dragon boating empowers our members to get fit and flexible, while having fun. With members of all levels of fitness, none of whom had ever been in a dragon boat, you are welcome to come and try throughout the year. The only criteria are that you have been diagnosed with breast cancer and have been signed off by your medical team to exercise. We have paused new member try-outs until spring 2026. Please contact Ann/Lorraine to add your name to our waiting list.
Email Ann/Lorraine: newmembers@plurabellepaddlers.com
Meet the Plurabelles
Read what our members say about us.
Rose O’Donnell
“When you’ve had cancer you are told there are so many things you cannot do ever again. The walls close in. Paddling this dragon boat is the antithesis of all that. Every single one of these women has faced down being treated for breast cancer, what it does to your life, and your body. I have laughed more during and after these gruelling training sessions than for some time. I am not normal yet, I may not ever be normal again. But for a couple of hours a week I am an Amazonian, in the company of fellow warriors.”
Anna Connolly
“It’s not for us the ‘poor me’ mentality. We are determined to not let cancer win – life wins every time. We tick every box: outdoor fun, get fit, make friends, inclusive, affordable, supportive and community-based. All shapes and sizes, Northside, Southside, professional, unemployed, race, nationality, bald, hairy, bald again!! We are winners every day.”
Margaret Mulcahy
“Imagine a sport in which you participate competitively whether you are eighteen or eighty, whether you are male or female, whether you are large or small. Imagine a sport that you can start in your later years, even if you have had cancer… That sport exists – it is dragon boating.
“Imagine a post-breast-cancer support group that rarely talks about cancer, but mostly talks about health, fitness and, of course, dragon boat racing. Imagine the best group of friends who, like you, have all recovered from breast cancer and want to make a better life for themselves. This club is the Plurabelle Paddlers.”
Training with the Plurabelle Paddlers
Dragon boating is a fun and dynamic team sport. With 22 to a boat, you’ll work alongside our friendly team of bold, brave women and have a laugh along the way.
New members are always welcome. Though you must have been diagnosed with breast cancer and be at least 3 months post-treatment to start training.
Our current members range in maturity from 20-somethings to 70-somethings. So don’t let age, fitness or anything else hold you back. If you’ve been through breast cancer, we’re here to support you.
- Annual membership costs €100
- We train on Grand Canal Dock every Saturday at 8.30am
- In spring/summer, we also train on Wednesday evenings at 6.30pm
If you’d like to try dragon boating, just email our new member coordinator Ann.
Email Ann/Lorraine: newmembers@plurabellepaddlers.com
