Great community support for Nore paddlers

Rain, hail or shine the ladies of the Nore Dragon Paddlers get out in their boat and move through the water every Saturday morning and Tuesday evenings.

As well as being fit and fun-loving women they also have the shared experience of having had a cancer diagnosis in their lives.

On Wednesday evening over 350 people packed into the ballroom in Langtons House Hotel for a very special fashion show organised and in aid of Tullaroan GAA and the Nore Dragon Paddlers KACC Breast Cancer Survival Group.

Treasurer at Tullaroan GAA, John Connolly explained how the club has recently raised €8,500 from a walk up Croagh Patrick to go towards covering the cost of a new boat for the paddlers.

“We wanted to raise enough money to get a new fibreglass boat that can fit 22. At the moment the boat that they are using only fits 14 people. After last night we have raised the €12,000 needed and the surplus will go towards Tullaroan GAA club,” he said.

Models included staff at Aut Even Hospital, where a number of the paddlers work and a number of hurlers and camogie players including the legendary Tommy Walsh.

“We received great support locally from all the shops and businesses and I would like to say a very big thank you. Also great credit is due to Rustiq Hair Studio and Grace Norwood from Goods who did the hair and make up .

MC on the night was Ian Wilson from Aut Even Hospital who did a superb job as MC on the night.

Deirdre Treacy explained how the event surpassed all expectations.

“I was involved in the background helping out. We were thrilled with how the show went. Everyone had a terrific time.

“It is a great cause. I am a paddler and it is fantastic for women who have had a cancer diagnosis. It was set up last year here in Kilkenny and helps to prevent the build up of lymphodema after cancer treatment.

“Research has show that paddling has been very beneficial for people who have had lymph nodes removed and can help prevent lymphodema . The paddling is great and we are a community who has come together from a shared experience and enjoy this activity which is both healthy and positive,” she added.

For more see /www.facebook.com/noredragonpaddlers/