Neighbouring rowing clubs join forces to raise funds in ‘BrayStones’ 500km event
BRAY Rowing Club and Greystones Rowing Club are planning to row 500km in one day, Saturday, August 22.
The aim of the event is to raise much needed funds to increase participation in traditional skiff rowing in the communities of Bray and Greystones.
The challenge is for each club to row 250 km culminating in a total rowing distance of 500km. Multiple crews will row legs of the journey starting in Bray and Greystones.
The benefits of participation in sport are well proven and both clubs would like to be able to increase their youth membership and continue to offer all adult rowers an opportunity to improve their physical and mental well-being. Crews will be made up of all club members from 14 years old to senior rowers working together to achieve a common purpose.
Chairperson of Bray Rowing Club, Andy O’Reilly said: ‘2020 has been a tough year for the rowing clubs, as it has been for all sport, but we’re hoping to lift spirits with this fun and challenging event. Bray Rowing Club has a great history in the town of Bray with a strong and growing membership of men and women,’ he said,
‘Last year our ladies and junior teams won gold and silver in the All Ireland Rowing Championships among many other club achievements. Bray Rowing Club urgently needs funding to facilitate their growing membership and to purchase a safety boat. A safety boat is essential for the clubs continued participation in the regatta series. Any support big or small is appreciated by the club and will go a long way to enhancing opportunities for people to participate in the wonderful sport of rowing.’
Sharon Fitzpatrick of Greystones Rowing Club said: ‘Greystones Rowing Club are hoping to raise the necessary money to cover the cost of a new skiff to ensure the old tradition of skiff racing is kept alive for future generations in what is now a modern town.’
The new skiff will be named the Colleen Bán after an original boat built in 1920 by local man John Spurling.
‘ The Colleen Bán was almost unbeatable for ten years, suffering only two defeats in that period. Greystones Rowing Club changed the boat name in the 1950s to the Shamrock 1, built by Smiths of Ringsend,’ said Sharon. ‘ The Shamrock 2, 3 and 4 followed. All boats enjoyed success over the years, most notably the Shamrock 1 winning four successive Wicklow Regattas (1953 - 1956). To celebrate 100 years of rowing in Greystones the present GRC committee decided to name the new skiff the Colleen Bán as per the first skiff all those years ago.’
To donate to Bray Rowing Club, go to Braystones500 at gofundme,com, and for Greystones Rowing Club go to Braystones-500km at gofundme.com.
This will be a social distanced event adhering to all the current Sporting Ireland Covid-19 restrictions and advice. Only event participants are allowed to come to either clubhouse but supporters can watch the event from a distance anywhere along the coast. We will also be posting videos and updates to social media throughout the day.