WATCH: A new dragon takes to the water in Waterford 

A new dragon took to the river Suir in Waterford City recently when a local boat club launched their new boat.

The Dragon Boat Club took great delight in launching 'The Chantelle' at the Marina Hotel at 11am on August 10.

The Chairperson of the club, Deirdre Cahill, welcomed everyone to the event including Minister Mary Butler and Mayor of Waterford City & County, Cllr Jason Murphy.

Ms Cahill also gave a particular welcome to the Macnamara family, partners and colleagues from the Keogh Practice, in Ballybricken.

The club was originally known as Waterford Dragon Warriors and was set up 10 years ago. She told those present that the club was composed of male and female paddlers, all over the age of 18, with members ranging in age from 30 to 80.

The club was originally set up to support breast cancer survivors, their friends and supporters, as a means of social interaction and strengthening exercise to help their recovery.

In April, this year, the boat launched 'The Elva D', which was purchased following significant fundraising and a grant from the local authority. In May this year the club members competed against 900 other individuals from 14 countries in the Dragon Boat Festival in Barcelona and came home with a silver medal for the club, county and country.

However, Ms Cahill said launching the new boat, 'The Chantelle', was a very special occasion.

"This boat was generously gifted to our club by the family of the late Dr Chantelle Macnamara," she said. 

"Dr Chantelle will be remembered every time we go out to paddle on the river," said Ms Cahill.

She said the new boat would enable the growth of the club and with two boats on the river, she it would mean more members would be facilitated per session.

"The Chantelle will enable our club to grow and allow us to welcome new members to enjoy our beautiful river and surrounds," she said.

She also thanked everyone who helped bring the day to fruition and in particular acknowledged the support of the management and staff at the Marina Hotel who have supported the club over the years by allowing it to use their premises free of charge, for storing equipment.

The hotel also sponsored the club jerseys and helped with fundraising.

"Without the support of the Marina Hotel, our club could not exist," said Ms Cahill. She then recited a short poem, titled 'Why I Paddle', which highlighted the reasons why people take to the water and how it makes people connect.

In launching the boat a ceremony took place that had a distinct Eastern flavour before the members took both boats for a short trip on the river.