Ballinrobe Water Sports club officers. From left: Alan Stephens, Alan Daly, Tom Treacy, John Craddock, Fiona Duddy, John Burke, Terence Duddy and Padraig Marrey.

Mayo has a new water sports club

BALLINROBE is well known as the centre of the Lake District area, with three lakes within 8k of the town. For years it was fishing that attracted people to the area but now water sports fanatics might find there are more options to choose from.

Of late, open water swimming, kayaking and sailing have become more popular.

A group of local enthusiasts called a meeting to see if there would be much interest in setting up a club that would cater for the needs of water sports in the area. The response was great.

A few weeks back a club – Ballinrobe Water Sports - was formed, with John Craddock elected chairman. John is well known for open water swimming and diving and was keen to get this type of club up and going.

Fiona Duddy is another well known open water swimmer and she has the task of secretary. Alan Stephens from Glencorrib is the treasurer. Eugene O'Kelly is the events officer, Alan Daly is safety officer, and Elaine Treacy is membership officer. Padraig Marrey is PRO and committee reps are Tom Treacy, John Burke and David Hall.