Pride of the Neighbourhood

BY Kathrin Kobus

The year 2019 concluded  for St. Patricks Rowing Club with a truly huge award they received at the Lyrath Hotel in Kilkenny on the 30th of November. The very same day the boats were out on the water for the last time this year for the concluding All in a Row event earlier the same day.

They lifted the trophy for winner of the best Urban Neighbourhood with a population between 1000 and 2000. 

Winners of the Urban Neighbourhoods / Villages with a population of 1000 – 2000 Ringsend (St Patricks Rowing), Dublin with Cathoirleach of Kilkenny County Council Cllr Peter Cleere; Tom Dowling, Chairperson, Pride of Place; Dr Christopher Moran, Chairman Co-operation Ireland and George Jones, Chairman, IPB Insurance

The Pride of Place competition began just after the turn of the century,  18 years ago thanks to a Co-operation Ireland programme which aimed to acknowledge the work by volunteers in local community development.

Dublin City Council had put the nomination for the club forward as one of over 800 nationwide participants. But it was due to the presentation back in the summer after all the regattas had finished that St. Pats truly impressed as a club the judges of the “Past Present Future” committee.

“Every one was there to show up for the judging panel. “ according to Eimear NiChormaic press officer for the club. “It is a really great achievement, it’s the first time this award was given to a rowing club.” 

Looking back on this year’s result St.Pats can also claim to be the most successful rowing club on the East coast, but according to  (name) “Being competitive is important, but it’s the community that counts foremost, to work collectively to achieve results.”

While the boats are safely stored away from the waters for now, the training has not really stopped apart for the short break over Christmas. The Indoor Nationals will be held at the end of January.