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Foyle Rowing Club's "magnificent
achievement"
13.07.11
Elation on the waves as
rowers make it from Islay to Inishowen
THERE was elation on the waves on Saturday when the
men and women of Foyle Rowing Club crossed the
finish line after their marathon voyage from
Scotland to Greencastle.
Women's team member, Brid McGinley, said the 44-mile
charity journey - the Colmcille Challenge - went
very well with the men clocking a "remarkable time".
"Our men's team came home in 7 hours 45 minutes and
the women in 10 hours 45 minutes. The women had a
more challenging time, missing a vital tide and so
met strong tides at the mouth of Lough Foyle and
some wind too," said Brid.
The tough challenge was undertaken by Hugh Kelly,
Robert Kelly, Don McGinley, Odhran Hegarty, Thomas
Farren, Damien Gillen, John White, Daniel McDaid,
Anthony Doogan and Tony Reynolds. On the women's
team were, Denise Kelly, Jackie Kelly, Kate
McLaughlin, Katrina Reynolds, Jennifer Gill, Lucy
White, Sally Dorrian, Jackie Penson, Siobhan Curran
and Brid McGinley. |
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The Foyle Rowing Club's mens team
heading for Ireland. |
Brid said they could
not have completed the journey without the help of
others on the day.
"We had great support on the water form our support
teams of ribs and support boats, and there was a
tremendous reception in Greencastle when they teams
came in.
"Two teams from Islay also travelled, and they did
(the journey) in about 11 hours, rowing bigger, more
traditional boats. This was a remarkable feat too,"
she added.
As the rowers salved their blistered hands, there
were plenty of homecoming celebrations for them,
with music and dancing in the marquee in
Greencastle. Proceeds from the unique event go to
the Foyle Hospice.
Meanwhile, speaking at this week's Inishowen
electoral area meeting of Donegal County Council,
Cllr Martin Farren described the Foyle Rowing Club's
efforts as a "magnificent achievement". He asked
that a letter of congratulations be sent to the club
to mark their success. |
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