Pat O’Connor, Cian Lynch and Ollie Mahon from the Monday Club prepare the boat for the Slaney Purple Paddlers. Pic: Christy Farrell

CALLING ALL breast cancer survivors!

Work has begun at Wexford Harbour Boat and Tennis Club (WHBTC) on an historic initiative which, over the coming months, will see the town’s first dragon boat given a complete makeover and readied for a fearless crew to take to the waters for fun, friendship and even some friendly rivalries.

Research has proven dragon boat racing to be beneficial in improving the physical and psychological wellbeing of people who have had breast cancer, with the repetitive upper-body movement involved particularly significant for individuals who suffer from Lymphedema.

The intriguing and ambitious construction project being undertaken by Ollie Mahon and the men of the ‘Monday Night Club’ will empower ‘The Purple Paddlers’ to put Wexford on the map in the emerging life-enhancing sport.

The ancient Chinese pursuit dates back over 2,000 years and features racing boats which are heavily influenced in their design by oriental culture.

Now an awe-inspiring international performance sport in which over 50 million paddlers compete each year, dragon boat racing has experienced a surge in popularity in Ireland in recent times.

When physiotherapist Joanne Brennan, of Kilkenny club ‘Nore Dragon Paddlers’, contacted WHBTC member Catherine Wallace, of the Hope Cancer Support Centre, Enniscorthy, with the offer of a dragon boat should a Wexford club wish to form, it was simply too good an opportunity on which to pass up.

Commenting on the community endeavour, Ms. Wallace emphasised how “it’s all completely new” to members of the Slaney Purple Paddlers but that they have already received spirited support from members both of already established clubs across the country and of WHBTC.

According to member Gay Murphy, dragon boat racing “is a great way to get active, fit and healthy” and “helps in the physical, mental and emotional recovery process.”

Slaney Purple Paddlers, she said, “aim to show people, through dragon boating, that it is possible to have a full, rich and fulfilling life after cancer.”

It is hoped that the boat may be ready for action during the summer and will capture the imaginations of the wider Wexford community, sharing hope in particular with those who may have recently received a diagnosis of breast cancer.

With multiple benefits to be reaped by those who get involved, the women of Slaney Purple Paddlers are keen to let other breast cancer survivors in the community know of the opportunity.

Training will be provided, while safety cover and top-class facilities will be at hand at WHBTC for the team’s weekly meetings.

Read more in the Wexford Echo.