Pat Hickey is our next volunteer in the up series, and a standout example of supporting the community through volunteering. As well as being a valuable member of the Canoeing Ireland Board, Pat is also a founding member of the Monasterevin Blueway Kayaking Club. Pat tells some great stories of how volunteering built the [...]
We know that paddling has always been more than a sport. It’s an intimate connection with Ireland’s rivers, lakes and coastlines — the captivating natural spaces that rejuvenate our minds and give us adventure, freedom, and community. Our members care deeply about the natural world they paddle in, that’s why Canoeing Ireland is proud to announce that we [...]
Hear from Canoeing Ireland President Heather Wilson about her journey in volunteering. After being inspired by other volunteers in her club, Heather's volunteering journey took her from the river bank, to being a Bridge the Gap ambassador, to the board of Canoeing Ireland. Inspiring more volunteering in our community creates more opportunities for people [...]
Finish off 2025 the right way at the Canoeing Ireland Awards! This special evening will shine a spotlight on everything our community has achieved in 2025. From incredible results on the international stage, to the tireless efforts of our volunteers and clubs at home, we have so much to celebrate. The Awards are not just [...]
Declan O'Connell has had an outstanding journey in volunteering - from stating out as a soccer coach with Special Olympics, Declan has gone on to be an incredible driving force for Special Olympics Kayaking in Ireland. Declan had some great things to say about the paddle sport community, and how it inspires so much [...]
This Sport Ireland-accredited online workshop is for the benefit of everyone involved in children's sport (children, parents/guardians, sports leaders, coaches and administrators. All Coaches, Club Children’s Officers (CCO) and Designated Liaison Persons (DLP) must first complete the 3 hour Child Welfare & Protection Basic Awareness Workshop. This workshop educates participants on the implementation of [...]
This week we meet Melissa Fisher, an outstanding ambassador for women in leadership, and another one of our wonderful volunteers. Melissa's drive to volunteer and give back to her community were inspired by her upbringing in South Africa, and experiencing how much you can get back by giving a small amount of your time [...]
A unique collaboration between Sanctuary Runners and Canoeing Ireland is bringing a powerful message of inclusion and community onto the water — offering a new model of integration through sport. On Thursday, 28th August, participants from Sanctuary Runners — including people seeking international protection — travelled from across the country to join a special [...]
Next in our 'Volunteer Like Us' series we speak to John O'Connell about his involvement in both Trim Canoe Club and Wet and Wild Kayak Club. John's volunteering has been particularly impactful for inclusion in paddle sports, being a key organiser for the annual Pride Paddle, a brilliant event for celebrating the LGBTQI+ members [...]
Canoeing Ireland in association with Mayo Sports Partnership are recruiting a dynamic and committed individual, as Full Time Sports Hub /Paddle Sports Project Officer, operating from the Castlebar Sports Hub. This post will be integral to the development and implementation of a comprehensive plan to promote, attract and develop sustainable usage of the Sports [...]
