St Michael’s Rowing Club, Dun Laoghaire, launched the 2017 coastal rowing season with the official move back into refurbished facilities
Councillor Mary Fayne joined the committee and members of St Michael’s Rowing Club for the official opening of their newly refurbished facilities at the Coal Harbour boatyard in Dun Laoghaire last Saturday.
The coastal rowing club, whose growing membership of men women and children row the heritage class East coast skiffs, is based out of a stone archway. Up until this year, this boatshed had a leaky roof that caused great difficulty for the maintenance and upkeep of these historic boats. Along with providing a watertight home, the boatshed now has hot water, improved lighting and power, storage for oars and equipment, and other minor improvements.
These repairs were made possible thanks to a grant from the Sports Capital Programme and the on-going fundraising efforts of members. This growing club hopes that this is a stepping stone on route to full clubhouse facilities in line with other watersports in the harbour and their sister rowing clubs along the coast.
The club's beautiful racing skiffs at home in the refurbished boatshed
Last season saw a very successful year for the club, with membership at full capacity, a growing youth section, and the Senior Men’s crew lifting the overall East Coast Rowing Council trophy in their category, and the club placing second overall in the Junior Shield.
The club is holding a further fundraiser race night in Baker’s Corner on Saturday 1st April, and all are welcome – there will be betting, auction and raffles on the night, with a prize pot for the owners of winning horses, with thanks to sponsorship and support of local businesses including Grandstand Sports, K&K Windows, Newtownpark Avenue Service Station, Brady’s Family Ham, Regan Roofing, Frank Keane Volkswagen, Typecraft and Dublin Bay Cruises.
The club will also be doing bag packing at SuperValu supermarket in Blackrock on Saturday 10th June, and all support is greatly appreciated
