Unleash your inner dragon with this epic challenge!
After the success of their Spring Interfirm Dragon Boat Challenge earlier this year, Meitheal Mara is delighted to announce the return of the Challenge on September 21st.
Companies, organisations, and groups are invited to take part as the River Lee comes alive with the rhythmic beat of drums, the splash of paddles, and the roar of dragons as crews battle it out for the title of 2024 Autumn Interfirm Dragon Boat Challenge Champions!
Earlier this year, our Dragon Boat Challenge was a resounding success, with 16 enthusiastic crews competing fiercely on the River Lee, with Penny Dinners coming out on top. Crews from Apple, ESB, Musgraves, Cork County Council, Boston Scientific, Alcon and many more competed on the day. The day was filled with excitement, camaraderie, and fun, as participants and spectators alike enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere.
This event offers a fantastic opportunity to get active, support a worthy cause, and experience Cork City from a whole new perspective on the water. Starting opposite the former iconic R&H Hall, teams will race 250 meters to the finish line at Lapp’s Quay, fuelled by the powerful rhythm of the dragon’s drum. Each crew, made up of seventeen determined members, will strive to make it to the Cup final.
The Dragon Boat Challenge is a fun, social, and vibrant event that welcomes participants of all experience levels—no prior training is required. Pre-race training sessions will be provided for all crews in the two weeks leading up to September 21st, with full details shared upon registration. So, get ready to flex those muscles and perfect your winning Dragon chant!
The Dragon Boat Challenge is an important fundraiser for Meitheal Mara, Cork’s community boatyard and nationally-accredited training centre. The organisation is dedicated to fostering and promoting maritime culture and seamanship through traditional currach and wooden boat building skills.
Meitheal Mara in particular provides training and development to those who are at risk of social exclusion, who are recovering from addiction and those living with disabilities. As a registered charity (CHY 12929), your contribution towards this event is tax-deductible and an ideal opportunity to demonstrate your company’s support.
The Dragon Boat Challenge is €680 (€40 a head), this includes the training night and the race day. Please don’t hesitate to contact dragons@meithealmara.ie, with any questions or to sign your team up. Places are filled on a first-come, first-served basis so we encourage organisations to contact us as soon as possible to register their interest.