Rowing gently down Quivvy Lake

Now that spring has truly sprung and we’ve enjoyed two weeks of almost June-like sunny weather, there’s a yearning to get outside and into the great outdoors.

So, what could be better for the mind and body on a Saturday morning than to go out on one of County Cavan’s 365 lakes and row?

According to Tommy McMahon of the Belturbet Row Boat Club, rowing is a “concentrated form of exercise” where technique and precision are important.

“There is something exhilarating about pushing through the water synchronously with your fellow rowers and something seductive about the sound of the oars making the ‘catch’ with the great expanse of sky and water all around,” he adds.

At the club and under Tommy’s guidance and dedication, young rowers are and have been trained in the art for over 25 years.

The club also secured LEADER funding and acquired two 40-foot racing boats and a 35-foot touring boat from the proceeds, adding to its success.

Last August, Belturbet Rowboat Club initiated a new venture and provided training to rowers of mixed age and experience in the touring boat along Quivvy Lake under the instruction of excellent coach, Shane McGovern.

“A highly enthusiastic and grateful group of rowers are benefiting from this new development every Saturday while the younger rowers will continue with their rowing and canoeing during the coming summer months,” says Tommy.

“I’m looking forward to the coming summer months and offering quality courses in canoeing and rowing at Belturbet.

Interested in getting involved? Contact: tmcmahonbelturbet@yahoo.co.uk