A new chapter for Athlone Boat Club continues apace as construction work on a new clubhouse along the banks of the River Shannon progresses.
Speaking to the Athlone Advertiser this week, Athlone BC PRO, Colette Scanlon Ortiz, noted an air of optimism lingering amongst members as clubhouse construction work unfolds.
“Athlone Boat club members are walking around with notable smiles on their respective faces these times, thanks, in part to Councillor Tom Farrell, who supported the club’s application to LEADER and encouraged us over the years to pursue the project, and indeed, to Peter Ormond of LEADER who was a great help in gaining a understanding of our club and commitment during the application process.
“Watching the pile driving rig loom over Athlone and the relevant equipment arrive was a sight to behold and with the dedication of Johnny Duncan of Malachi Cullen Consulting Engineers Ltd., the plans were mapped out and work ready to commence.
“The sound of the rig drilling the piles down to the bed of the river Shannon could be heard all over town. Whilst out for a walk, I ran into Michael Murtagh, a long-time member of the club, he said ‘listen’, to which I replied, ‘listen to what’, he said ‘ah, that’s the sound of the piles being driven into the Shannon and the start of a new beginning’.
Progress is finally taking hold for one of the oldest sporting organisations in Athlone.
“Servicing the townspeople of Athlone, and further afield, since the mid-1800s, we look forward to unveiling a club house befitting of the times, one that will no longer flood when the Shannon breaks its banks, one that will be able to house boats and equipment and above all continue to be a staple in our community for our young people.
“There are so many locals including Gabriel McFadden, who has a family history with the club, has lent a helping hand; without everyone’s support, we would not be as happy as we are today, to see a little bit of history take hold.
At the top of the car park out at Coosan Point is the club’s temporary lodgings, adhering to the COVID-19 guidelines, our Juniors are finally back rowing and training in sculls for upcoming competitions. It is great to see the children unite and return to some type of normalcy in their young lives, it is a welcomed changed for all,” Colette enthused.
Whilst we have undertaken stage 1 of our boat house construction, we still need everyone’s support to see us through the final stage. Due to COVID-19, we have had to scale back on our fundraising, which have hampered our efforts to raise funds to see the project to fruition. As we continue to ask for financial support, we will keep everyone abreast of our progress with regular updates.
