Mourne Race 2nd December 2007

For the second year in a row, the annual Mourne White Water Race saw flood conditions on the river and with a lot of overnight rain, the river was still rising when the starters whistle blew.

The wind and rain eased slightly to allow registration in Newtownstewart and big thanks must go to Strabane District Council’s Martin Bradley who was on hand to open the changing and toilet facilities, both of which were greatly appreciated on the day.

This years competition had a good mix of paddlers with a high number of entries in the Plastic, White Water Racer and Canadian categories. With competitors travelling from Dublin, Belfast and Letterkenny there was a total of 37 competitors on the day.

After the usual delays in arranging car shuttles the race eventually started at the canoe steps provided by Strabane DC with 3 mass starts. First to go were the highly competitive White Water Racer category. This category included a few paddlers from across the border and as points gained today counted towards the WWR league in Ireland some of the best White Water Racers in the country were competing.

The Plastic and Canadians groups started next and with a few novices from UUJ Canoe Club trying the river for the first time, this was going to be an interesting run. But with only a few swims on the way all competitors managed to make it to the finish line. Thanks to the members of the Foyle Paddlers Canoe Club who provided rescue cover at the fisheries rapid and along the course.

At the finish line just above the weir in Sion Mills all paddlers were very grateful to Herdmans Mills who allowed access to their car park. This shortened the carry to the cars with boats after the race. Tea and sandwiches were provided for all competitors and the hot tea was certainly well appreciated for those unlucky enough to have had a swim in the freezing river. Despite the wet and windy weather the day was a great success and enjoyed by all.

Thanks to all who attended and assisted with the running of the event and thanks to Foyle Paddlers Canoe Club for organising it. Looking forward to next years event.