Rowers celebrate their return to Tralee’s historic ship canal
AS one of the first sports clubs in the entire county to get back in action, the members of the Tralee Rowing Club have cause for great celebration this week.
While everyone will have welcomed the first loosening of movement restrictions the new freedoms are especially good news for rowers, who were able to get back on the water on Monday.
Tralee Rowing Club PRO Barbara Damm Lillo said everyone at the club is thrilled to be allowed back behind their oars though, she explained, it is all subject to strict conditions.
“We are delighted that our rowers will be back on the water of Tralee’s beautiful ship canal although in limited numbers,” said Barbara.
“Our club will be following all the protocols directed by the HSE and Rowing Ireland, in terms of number of people at any one time, social distancing, type of boats, cleaning and storage of equipment,” she said.
To keep in line with the current restrictions, only single boats will be allowed on the water, and doubles will only be allowed when both rowers belong to the same household.
Ahead of Monday’s limited resumption of activities, the club carried out an extensive risk assessment at the boathouse and the pontoon in order to be fully compliant.
Initially, during the current phase, training will be only allowed outdoors, while the club’s gym facility will remain closed until further notice.
On behalf of the club, Ms Damm Lillo also paid tribute to those who lost their lives to COVID-19 and to those on the frontline fighting the virus.
“The whole club want to express our condolences to the families and friends who have lost their loved ones due to the COVID-19 virus. And our appreciation and gratitude to all the healthcare and essential workers that have looked after our families, friends and extended community during these challenging months,” Barbara told The Kerryman.