Super weekend in store for canoeing fans on the River Nore
The Thomastown Paddlers canoeing club will host a double-header of events on the River Nore in June.
The first event on what promises to be an action-packed weekend begins on Saturday, June 17 at 6pm. This flatwater 10k race in Inistioge will be held in the memory of Brendan Fitzpatrick and Eoin Doyle who were active and loved members of the paddlers family.
The Brendan Fitzpatrick Cup will be awarded to the first K1 kayaker to cross the finish line in the boatslip, Inistioge. After Brendan’s passing last year, the addition of this cup to the annual dash down the Nore is a heart-warming memorial and one that the paddlers hope to continue to hold for years to come. Brendan and his family were a huge part of the club and the paddlers hope to commemorate him through the sport they all loved.
The Eoin Doyle Cup will be awarded to the first non-k boat competitor to cross the finish line. This race commemorates Eoin Doyle’s years of kayaking in playboats down the Nore with the club, and they hope to show their respect by doing it in his name this June.
Club secretary Donnacha Brennan, spoke about the former paddlers with the utmost respect.
“The two boys and their families were a huge part of the club and committee,” he said. “They always worked hard on the water and were so helpful in the club. This is our small way to honour them.”
Entry fees for all Saturday’s races are €5 per paddler, with proceeds going to the Thomastown Paddlers Boathouse Development Fund.
Ranking Race
The action continues on Sunday, June 18 when the Thomastown crew host the 25th edition of their ranking race down the South-East neck of the Nore. The action is set to kick off at 12 noon. All canoeing fans are welcome to what promises to be a busy weekend.