Inny Challenge raises funds for LARCC

The Inny Challenge recently staged their fourth outing as kayakers enjoyed splendid conditions while raising vital funds for a very important local charity. The pleasure paddle from the Derravagh Caravan Park to Abbeyshrule was hailed as a wonderful event.

Una Bourke, one of the co-ordinators of the event: "It was a roaring success. We had 77 kayakers on the water. this included safety crew from the Mullingar Canoe Club, Bob Lacey and Pat Clarke.

“This is our fourth year doing the Inny Challenge, and did 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.

“We raised a fantastic amount of money. We would like to thank the sponsors for the equipment that they made available. People who helped with transport for the kayaks and the people. The drivers who gave up their time and spend the day with us," Una said.

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.

"The help we got was so important. We had people helping the kayakers in and out of the water, and so much other support,” Una said, "All the 77 kayakers made the day, but we had huge help from families and friends. We called in so many people to lend a hand to get the paperwork right. It really was a great day.

If you wish you can still support the Inny Challenge on their idonate webpage at https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/RIVERINNYCHALLENGE13