Inny Challenge to raise funds for LARCC
Thomas Lyons
The Inny Challenge enters its fourth year this Sunday when kayakers assemble for a fun day out while raising funds for an important Westmeath charity.
Starting at 8am participants will enjoy a pleasure paddle from the Derravaragh Caravan Park to Abbeyshrule.
Una Bourke is one of the co-ordinators of the event: “This is our fourth year doing the Inny Challenge, and we’re doing it for an amazing local charity, LARCC in Multyfarnham.”
The organisers have scaled back on the original 100km challenge to make the day more accessible: “The numbers are growing every year. The first two years, we did 100km. We went the whole way from Cavan all the way down to the Shannon.
“The last two years we wanted to bring some inexperienced paddlers. Security and safety are a priority, so we have narrowed it down.”
The popularity of the day has been building: “When we started, we had less than 30 people coming out, but we’re looking at having about 80 this year. We get a few supporters, usually family and friends to encourage the kayakers along the way.”
The popularity of kayaking is one of the main draws: “It’s so calming,” Una says, “It’s just so relaxing. You’re out in the fresh air and away from technology. It’s wonderfully peaceful.”
The charity to benefit from the day is another reason for the growing interest in the event: “LARCC is absolutely fantastic. They do great work.”
Cancer Support Sanctuary LARCC offers psychological and emotional support to people living with cancer, providing a homely environment where patients and family members can engage in a range of professional services including one to one counselling, complementary therapies, nurse support, telephone support and play therapy for children impacted by cancer.
“I don’t think there’s a family in the country that hasn’t been touched in some shape or form by cancer. And they do a fabulous job down there. It’s just amazing the work they do,” Una said.
The Inny Challenge organiser thanked all the people who rowed in to support the event: “So many people helped out in so many ways. Paul Smith at the Derravaragh Caravan Park is allowing us to use all his facilities, Anne and Michael Fitzgerald at the Inny River Lodge B&B have allowed us access to their land and offered some nice soup and sandwiches.
“Trevor Badger at the Emperor Bridge has been great. We also have to thank the Civil Defence. There’s hundreds of other people I should be thanking from families and friends to the paddlers and the safety crew.”
The fourth Inny Challenge takes place this Sunday; see idonate.ie/fundraiser/RIVERINNYCHALLENGE13.