As the end of the rowing season is fast approaching, we are getting ever nearer to the annual Hope Cup/Row event. The Hope Cup/Run competition is a new event that was kickstarted last year by The Stella Maris Rowing Club from Ringsend.
The inspiration behind the cup was a young boy named Tadhg Ryan, the youngest ever child to be diagnosed with cystic fibrosis in Ireland. Tadhg is receiving treatment and care at St Michael’s Ward, Our Ladies’ Children’s Hospital, Crumlin, under the supervision of Doctor Paul McNally and several other staff members.
David Doyle, Secretary of Stella Maris RC, was full of praise for Doctor McNally and his diligent staff for their commitment and care in their work.
“The work they carry out is unbelievable for all these children, and ensures they are all kept healthy while also creating a child-friendly environment within the ward,” he told NewsFour.
Last year’s event was a big success and featured a litany of Irish rowing clubs participating in the event, which included Arklow, Bray RC, Courtown RC, Dalkey RC, Dun Laoghaire RC, Greystones RC, Skerries RC, Wicklow and fellow Ringsend rowing club St Patrick’s, who also provided some of their own boats and skiffs. The day itself also featured a 12km run of the Irishtown Nature Park, which was completed by all 44 participants.
The final total raised by the Hope Cup/Run was €8,540, which all goes to the St Michael’s Ward, which specifically treats children who suffer from cystic fibrosis.
Doyle was keen to thank everyone who made the event possible. He thanked The East Coast Rowing Council for their support and cooperation, along with St John’s Ambulance and Irishtown Gardaí, who ensured all participants were kept safe during the event. He also extended his thanks to Poolbeg Yacht Club for opening their premises for the participants.
The sponsors of the event were DynoRod, Aviva, John Clarke & Sons “South Dock” and Dublin Port Company, and Doyle thanked them for their brilliant support. He also thanked the members of Stella Maris RC, and all of the different clubs who participated in the event.
The winners on the day were: U18 Ladies: Stella Maris, U18 Men; Stella Maris, Novice: Stella Maris, Vets: Dun Laoghaire, Short ladies race; Stella Maris, Mixed Race: Wicklow, Long Ladies Race: Dalkey RC, and men’s: St Patrick’s (Winners of the Hope Cup 2013). Ladies Running Race: Audrey Gannon. Men’s Running Race: Craig McMahon
“Many thanks to everyone who donated their hard-earned money for such a worthy cause,” Doyle said. “Even in these very trying times for everyone, you all came up trumps.”
Pictured above, left to right: Tadgh Ryan, Ken Fay (Tadgh’s dad), Claire Ryan (Tadgh’s Mum), Doctor Paul McNally, Physio-therapist (name unknown), Darragh Ryan.
By Craig Kinsella
