A core feature of the forthcoming Croí na hÉireann Festival, on Saturday, March 18, the River Shannon will showcase the best that the waterway has to offer as numerous local volunteer groups unite to host a wealth of activities.
To commence the morning of water based activities, Athlone Boat Club will host a training display along the golden mile and a tour of their new facility from 10am-12pm, the new state-of-the-art rowing facility open to the public for tea and coffee on the day.
At 1pm on Sr Bernard Quay the first responders and members of Athlone Sub-Aqua Club, Athlone RNLI and Athlone River Safety Awareness group will showcase a cohesive display to feature a river rescue and safety demonstration utilising all the group’s equipment.
“These services are vital to the town such as Athlone with the River Shannon at the heart of it. Each water organisation provide their own unique abilities and equipment which is considered to be up there with the best in the country for such vital life saving services and search and recovery operations. As a town we are extremely lucky to have these great organisations, the volunteers involved who keep them operational do so with great pride and professionalism,” event co-ordinator, Padraig Hegarty, stated.
Spokesperson for the Croi na hÉireann festival committee, Cllr Frankie Keena, noted his delight in having the local water based organisations participating again this year.
“Their activities are spectacular and enjoyable, so definitely not to be missed. On behalf of the Athlone St Patrick’s Day committee I would like to thank all involved and Padraig Hegarty for co-ordinating this great event which is now an annual gathering for such groups.
“With the hope of good weather the day will be a great day for children and families to see first hand the importance of river safety,” Cllr Keena enthused.
