Row, row, row your boat gently across the sea!

Drogheda Leader - 13th August 2003

Boyne Fishermen plan Isle of Man to Drogheda rowing fundraiser

MEMBERS of Boyne Fishermen's River Rescue Service are currently busy preparing themselves for their most adventurous fundraising campaign to date - a 70-mile boat row from the Isle of Man to the Ramparts in Drogheda.

On Saturday 7th September, a ten-man team including three women will set sail from the Isle of Man for the 17-hour row back to Drogheda in a bid to raise funds for their new boathouse on the Marsh Road.

The team will make the journey in a 20-foot long 5-man rowboat called "Dragon of the Sea" which will be guided through the Irish Sea by a guide boat carrying the other half of the rowing team.

During the 17-hour crossing, the four rowers and one coxswain will be rotated every two to three hours or when needed.

The Boyne Fishermen's River Rescue Service (BFRRS) have been training five days a week for the last three months in preparation for this row, and are confident that they will make the crossing in good time.

Initially there were up to twenty volunteers eager to take part. However, over the last three months of training the twenty were dwindled down to ten.

A spokesperson for the BFRRS said, "We invite anyone with a speedboat or yacht to come on the crossing with us or even come out and welcome us back to Drogheda"

He added, "We've had great support over the last two weeks with people sponsoring us and making donations and we hope the people of Drogheda will continue to show their support'

The BFRRS are currently looking for someone with trawler boat to lend a hand and help carry the rowboat over to the Isle of Man.

The rowers are expected to arrive in the Ramparts on Sunday 8th September at approximately 4.30pm where there will be a welcome trawler set up and live bands playing.

According to the BFRRS it will be "a tough 'ol row" so why not sponsor the row and get down to the Ramparts on the day and give the crew a big Drogheda welcome?

Anyone wishing to make a donation or to sponsor the row can call Micky or Paul on 087 2334256.

© Drogheda Leader