The sun shone on our...
The sun shone on our friends and families as we gathered to celebrate the blessings of our three new boats
Founder member Martina McWalter welcomed Councillor Donal Lyons and Reverend Anthony Finn to our happy gathering in Woodquay, Galway. The amazing musicians and the balmy weather added to the festive atmosphere. Noel Leader and Tom Dempsey kindly popped the prosecco.
Father Tony blessed our two new Glide Solos, named Neart and Le Cheile. They take their names from the old irish saying “Ni neart a cur le cheile.” Which translated means there is no strength without unity. Or “Strenght through Unity.”.. or even in our case “We are a powerful bunch of women.”
As Robin Winkels said the strength of Row to Recovery is the way we pull together, on and off the water. It was this strength that was harnessed by Yvonne O’Callaghan who researched and secured funding from the Sports Capital & Equipment Programme (SCEP), which along with our own fundraising efforts enabled the purchase of these boats.
Martina then welcomed Robin Winkels. Our coach, our mentor and our friend.
For nine years now Robin has tirelessly devoted her considerable ability and energy to passing on her love of rowing to over 30 of our members. As constant and regular as her namesake the robin, Robin shows up every week with her cheerful demeanour, smiling and chirping in all weathers.
We choose the name Robin’s Nest to honour our friend and coach. It’s a small symbol of all she does for us, guiding us, encouraging us, protecting us from dangers ( weirs and reeds) and finally encouraging us to leave the nest, confident in our rowing abilities, having been coached by the best.
The evening continued in Galway Rowing Club with refreshments sponsored by Ground & Co. and homemade cakes and deserts.
Why Rowing?
Rowing is a cerebral low impact sport that utilizes the whole body and is accessible to all, regardless of fitness level. While a certain level of fitness is helpful, full training is offered by certified coaches and absolute beginners are welcome. Nor is age a barrier, our members range from early forty to late sixty.
Regaining a level of fitness, learning the skill of rowing, training and being part of a rowing crew in a very supportive, non competitive, fun manner are just some of the many benefits cancer patients have found when they join our crew.