'An unwavering belief in life after diagnosis,' Waterford Dragon Boat Club honoured
Pictured at City Hall where Mayor of Waterford City & County Cllr Jason Murphy, held a reception for The Waterford Dragon Boat Club, in recognition of their courage, resilience the unbreakab;e bonds of Community spirit. Photo: Joe Evans
The Waterford Dragon Boat Club represent “courage, resilience and the unbreakable bonds of community spirit.”
That is according to Mayor Jason Murphy at a reception for the club, which he said was an honour to host.
“Through the simple, yet powerful act of coming together on the water, these women have created a sanctuary- a place where friendship, laughter and strength are found in abundance.
Their dragon boat may be a vessel, but it carries so much more than its crew. It carries their collective spirit, their triumphs, their stories and their unwavering belief in life after diagnosis,” said Mayor Murphy.
The Waterford Dragon Boat Club started two years ago and has over 60 members.
Speaking on behalf of the Waterford Dragon Boat Club, Deirdre Cahill told those gathered that the club has come a long way since it started.
“It was set up to support people who have had breast cancer and to help them and their families in taking part in dragon boat racing to help with their recovery.
“Over the last two years, we have renamed the club Waterford Dragon Boat Club, and we welcome those who have had cancer and their families and friends to join,” said Ms Cahill.
Ms Cahill said their first boat, The Elva D, was funded by Slainte Care, and they thanked Ovi Matui for helping them.
Their second boat, The Chantelle was gifted to them by The Keogh Practice in Ballybricken.
The boat was named in memory of Dr Chantelle MacNamara, who was a women’s health advocate.
“I would like to thank all at the Keogh Practice sincerely for their generous gesture. With the two boats on the river, all members can now get the chance to paddle a few times a week on the river,” said Ms Cahill.
Ms Cahill also thanked both Mayor Murphy and Minister for Stat Mary Butler for their help with the club and including the hosting of this reception.
She thanked Liz McEnery from Waterford Sports Partnership for her advice and Waterford Port Captain Darren Doyle for the use of a storage container.
Finally, Ms Cahill, on behalf of the club thanked the Marina Hotel and all those who have sponsored them.
“Without the Marina Hotel, we would not be able to run our club. A big thank you to Michael McCorry, Larry Bowe and all the wonderful staff at the Marina Hotel for looking after us so well and for the sponsorship they have given us,” said Ms Cahill.
Ms Cahill announced that 40 of the club’s members are to take part in The Vogalonga in Venice.
The event is a 30K paddle of the lagoons of Venice with 8000 people and 2000 boats expected to take part.
“This is not a competition. But we hope we will do our city and county proud,” said Ms Cahill.
