PICTURES: Leitrim's Lough Rinn Dragons celebrate one year anniversary

The Lough Rinn Dragon Boating Club celebrated its first anniversary this week with a heartwarming event on the shores of Lough Rinn, Mohill — a day that brought together local community support in a wonderful celebration of dragon boating. Photographer Noreen Gaffney was there to capture the event. 

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Formed just one year ago, Lough Rinn Dragons has grown into a symbol of hope, connection, and community spirit. Rooted in support for cancer survivors and their supporters, the club is part of a growing network of dragon boating teams across Ireland — now numbering 19 — offering not only physical activity and wellbeing, but also deep emotional support, friendship, and belonging. 

Dragon boating in Ireland has grown steadily since its introduction in the 1990s, particularly among breast cancer survivor groups. The sport has now made its way to Leitrim thanks to the invaluable support and encouragement of Leitrim Sports Partnership. 

To mark the occasion, the club launched its new club boat, Misneach — the Irish word for courage, spirit, and fortitude — with a traditional Chinese “eye-dotting” ceremony. This symbolic act, carried out by guest speaker Fiona Slevin from Plurabelle Paddlers, involved dotting the eye of the dragon on the boat’s head in red paint, a ritual believed to awaken the spirit of the dragon and bring good fortune, health, and prosperity. 

The celebrations were joined by fellow paddlers from across the country, including Medbh’s Dragons (Sligo), Plurabelle Paddlers (Dublin), Lagan Dragons (Belfast), and Donegal Dragons, along with strong support from local councillors and community members. For some of our elected representatives, there was even a chance to take to the water in a dragon boat. 

Chairperson Siobhan Doran opened the day with a warm welcome, thanking the club’s members for their dedication and resilience over the past year, and acknowledging the ongoing support from the wider community, elected representatives, and particularly Leitrim Sports Partnership. 

Ms Slevin — a founding figure in Irish dragon boating and a long-standing member of Plurabelle Paddlers — delivered a moving speech on the power of paddling together. She spoke not just of exercise, but of dragon boating as a powerful metaphor for life, healing, and

unity. It was a beautiful moment that really resonated the very heart of dragon boating connection. 

Cathaoirleach of Leitrim County Council Paddy O’Rourke addressed the gathering offering congratulations to the club on its dedication, hard work, and the positive impact it has made within the community over the past year. 

This anniversary marked more than a milestone. It was a moment where the club stood together. Now that the dragon is truly awakened, the future for Lough Rinn Dragons looks bright. With Misneach leading the way, the club has achieved so much in just one year. 

“This past year has been about so much more than paddling — it’s been about showing up for one another. Lough Rinn Dragons has become a lifeline for many of us, and today’s celebration reminds me just how powerful community can be. We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve built together, and so grateful to everyone who has supported us along the way. The dragon is well and truly awake — and we’re just getting started,” said Siobhan Doran, Chair of Lough Rinn Dragon.