By Geraldine Smith
Sea Scouts get ready for new boats maiden voyage
The tradition of rowing features strongly in the life of members of 4th Port Dodder Sea Scout Group.
So when their East Coast skiff was deemed unseaworthy, the group knew they had to do something to ensure the members would be able to row on the river Dodder for the summer season.
Luckily, two opportunities arose which led to them being able to order two replacement rowing boats. The Aviva Stadium Community Fund contributed €3,500 towards the cost of one boat and Aerial Slattery and Staff of Slattery’s Pub donated €2,000, as part of the Good Friday Good Turn initiative they introduced this year. The balance of the costs came from the Group’s 12 Days of Christmas ticket sales.
When it came to choosing names for the boats, all members contributed their ideas. In the end, one boat was named ‘Discovery’ and the second ‘Endurance’ in memory of the ships Tom Crean the Irish explorer sailed on. Ciaran Murphy, a Cub Scout in the group had the honour of launching both boats.
The boats were built in Cavan and are suitable for all the age ranges and loved by the Beaver Scouts, Cub Scouts and Sea Scouts alike.
