The dragons are back this Saturday in Cork
Meitheal Mara’s Interfirm Dragon Boat Challenge is roaring back bringing a fun event back to the River Lee this Saturday.
Two 40 foot long colourful dragon boats will sprint against each other over a distance of 250m, racing from opposite the site of R&H Hall to Cork’s Lapp’s Quay from noon-4pm.
With some of the biggest companies and organisations in Cork participating in the challenge, the paddles will be out and rivalry will be fierce both on and off the water, but it’s all in the spirit of fun.
In a series of exciting heats, semi-finals and then a final, 16 companies will compete for the coveted Dragon Boat Challenge Trophy.
Cathy Buchanan, Meitheal Mara’s General Manager said: “It’s brilliant for us in Meitheal Mara to have the Dragon Boat Challenge back! We love the chance to work with the private sector as another part of the Cork city community, we can help set afloat out on the River Lee here in the city centre.
“Not only do we aim to give participating crews a memorable day paddling together, the event is an important fundraiser for us. The income generated is a vital contribution to the economic sustainability of Meitheal Mara and our charitable youth and community work.”
Established in 2013, the event is an important fundraiser for Meitheal Mara. Meitheal Mara or ‘Community or Workers of the Sea’ is a community boatyard in the heart of Cork city.
It is also a recognised charity. The organisation is dedicated to promoting and fostering maritime culture and traditional skills through currach and wooden boat building, as well as woodwork and seamanship as a means to help groups of people and individuals to learn, progress and develop.
Founded in 1993, Meitheal Mara has grown from a small idea into an internationally recognised leader in community-based maritime services, underpinned by the energy and skill of committed staff. Meitheal Mara aims to integrate and expand personal and community development opportunities through the medium of traditional boatbuilding, maritime recreation and maritime heritage. The primary objective is to grow and integrate Cork city’s maritime recreation and tourism sector at a purpose built river-side site.