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Canoeing comes to the Crana
22.10.09
by Simon McGeady, Inishowen Independent
THE focus of Ireland's watersports community will be
firmly fixed on Buncrana this weekend where the
first annual Crana Canoe event is taking place.
“This is the first event of its type ever to be held
in Ireland,” said event organiser Adrian Harkin of
Just Kayak.On Saturday and Sunday over 100
competitors will take part in a number of events
from Sea Kayaking, Canoe Polo and Slalom.
“I have been planning this event since April, when
we ran a test race on the Crana river that attracted
a lot of attention. It’s going to be a lot of fun,
but there are some major names travelling to compete
in the professional races as well, including
national team coaches and Irish 2012 Olympic hopeful
Hannah Craig, the Women’s Slalom World Number 4.”
The slalom competition will take place on two
courses on the Crana river, with challenging white
water conditions guaranteed. |
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“The Council agree to
flush out the Crana River every year with water from
the Pollan Dam, so it was a matter of finding out
when it was taking place and ensuring that we held
the Crana Canoe at the same time.
“There are two slalom courses, one at the bottom of
the river for beginners, novices and children from
the age of 14 down. The other course will be for
Division One and Division Two standard slalomers,”
added Adrian.
Spectators will also be able to cheer on the canoe
water polo teams as well as ‘boatercross’
competitors.
“This event has the potential to be a big boost for
the local economy, not so much this year but in the
years to come.”
Adrian says the Crana Canoe weekend will bring more
people to a sport that’s already grown in popularity
here in recent times.
“We already have a base in Moville, Buncrana is our
nearest white water slalom location and there is
great surf in Ballyliffin and Culdaff.”
There is a ranking canoe event upstream on the
Foyle, but Mr Harkin doesn’t think that the Crana
Canoe needs to evolve into a top level event.
“Just because you have a ranking event doesn’t mean
that it will attract more people. We want to bring
lovers of watersports together in a sociable way.”
A camping ground has been made available on the
grounds of the Buncrana Youth Club, with access to
toilet and shower facilities. The weekend wraps up
with a grand presentation at 5pm on Sunday. |
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