event report

65 paddlers gathered in the west for one of Irelands premier kayak weekends. The weekend run in association with the newly formed Galway Kayak club was based at two locations in the county of Galway.


Aodhan Hudson


The event began in Clifden on Saturday at the Salt Lake tidal rapid. Firstly the event was launched with the fun event of The Cuba* Inflatable class. Sponsored by Cuba and Bar 903, competitors had to race across the lagoon from one side of the stone bridge to the other and the race was won by Aodhan Hudson. Best Inflatable award went to a team of four paddlers from DCU Canoe Club and their joined inflatable Couches.

The competition then continued with Irelands first ever flood lit kayak freestyle rodeo. The Munster Dive and Canoe Clifden Rodeo featured 38 different competitors from all over Ireland participating in five different classes.

At first the sun was out but as the event developed and the sun was setting the feature for the competition was floodlit from above the bridge. With music and commentary adding to the special atmosphere, smiling faces were seen from competitors and spectators alike.



Shane under the nightlights.


Some great performances were on display but most notably was Moe Kelleher in the Mens Expert class who tore the field apart with two great runs resulting in a phenomenal score.




Other winners were:

Siobhan McGriskin Ladies expert,


Pia Crofton Ladies sport,

Darragh Mc Dermott Mens Sport,

Tim Kiernan Junior Boys and

Emer Farrell Junior Girls



Sunday almost 60 competitors gathered in Spiddal for a whitewater kayak race on the Owenboluisce River. With guaranteed water this event was much anticipated in light of the recent lack of water!

The I-Canoe.com Boluisce Boatercross finished within the town where the river meets the sea. Competitors raced in heats featuring 6-8 kayakers with top finishers making it to the finals.


Again music and commentary were there to entertain the onlookers and the sun was shining with plenty of excitement at the finish line. Special thanks must go to The Galway Civil Defence as well as the many Safety Kayakers who were kindly at hand ensuring the safety of all competitors




Lots of excitement was on display with some epic carnage for all to see. With some great heats and finals the winners were as follows.

Mens Expert: Shane Flaherty,




Mens Sport: Colm Grogan,



Ladies Expert: Kate Harris,




Ladies Sport: Caoimhe Murray,


Juniors: Rory O Reilly

,

well done to them!

Spectators and competitors alike enjoyed the event. The weekend was a roaring success for Galway Kayak Club raising well-needed funds for the newly formed Club.

A special thanks to the following without their support the event would not have taken place. The landowners, the Gatekeeper at the Boluisce dam, Galway Civil Defence, safety kayakers, timekeepers, scribes, judges, shuttle drivers and event organisers


Ger O Reilly, Eoin Hurst, Pete Barron and Ross Redmond for the photos

Our main sponsors for their generous donation of prizes Munster Dive and Canoe Cork, I-Canoe.com, and Cuba* Galway.

Looking Forward to next year!