OCTOBER 2009

Watersports on the Crana

This weekend, 24th & 25th October, Buncrana will be holding their first annual Crana Canoe event. On Saturday and Sunday over 100 competitors will take place in a number of events from Sea Kayaking, Canoe Polo, and Slalom.

Adrian Harkin, event organiser said "I have been planning this event since April, when we ran a test race on the Crana river that attracted a lot of attention. It's going to be a lot of fun, but there are some major names travelling to compete in the professional races as well, including national team coaches and Irish 2012 Olympic hopeful Hannah Craig, the Women's Slalom World Number 4." The slalom competition will take place on two courses on the Crana river, with challenging white water conditions guaranteed. "The Council agree to flush out the Crana River every year with water from the Pollan Dam, so it was a matter of finding out when it was taking place and ensuring that we hold the Crana Canoe at the same time. "There are two slalom courses, one at the bottom of the river for beginners, novices and children from the age of 14 down. The other course will be for Division One and Division Two standard slalomers," added Adrian.

Spectators will also be able to cheer on the canoe water polo teams as well as 'boatercross' competitors. "This event has the potential to be a big boost for the local economy, not so much this year but in the years to come." Adrian says the Crana Canoe weekend will bring more people to a sport that's already grown in popularity here in recent times. "We already have a base in Moville, Buncrana is our nearest white water slalom location and there is great surf in Ballyliffin and Culdaff.

There is a ranking canoe event upstream on the Foyle, but Mr. Harkin doesn't think that the Crana Canoe needs to evolve into a top level event. "Just because you have a ranking event doesn't mean that it will attract more people. We want to bring lovers of watersports together in a sociable way."

A camping ground has been made available on the grounds of the Buncrana Youth Club, with access to toilet and shower facilities. The weekend wraps up with a grand presentation at 5pm on Sunday.

Pictured at the launch of the Crana Canoe Weekend which takes place 24th & 25th October on the Crana River are Back from left: Liam Magee, RNLI, John McCarter, Chairperson of IDP, Michael Gillen, Director, North East Inishowen Tourist & Development Co Ltd., Richard Crowley, Inishowen Sub Aqua Club, and Francesca McDaid, Caroline's Chippy. Front from left are: Conor Hallinan, participant, Adrian Harkin, Just Kayak (Main Sponsor) and coaching officer Foyle Paddlers, and P.J. Hallinan, Buncrana Youth Club. (Photo Charlene Donnelly)

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