All aboard for a great day out

ST Michael’s House teamed up with Clontarf Yacht & Boat Club recently for a spin on the Dublin waves for their fourth annual fishing trip. 

The sailing crew comprised service users from St Michael’s House Short Term Training Centre, Adare Hub, Raheny Hub, Coolock Hub and Mask Road facilities. 

The crew, alongside members of Clontarf Boat & Yacht Club, braved the choppy conditions of the River Liffey to sail a new route to Grand Canal Basin travelling through the locks with the assistance of Waterways Ireland and the support of neighbouring clubs Poolbeg Yacht Club and Eastwall Watersports.

Patricia Davis, tutor at St Michael’s House Short Term Training Centre, said: “We are extremely grateful to everyone at Clontarf Yacht & Boat Club who have been kind enough to show their support for this annual initiative. 

“The day would not have been possible without the assistance of volunteers from Clontarf Boat & Yacht Club who provided the technical know-how and peace of mind to all of those on board.’’

Larry Meaney, executive committee member at Clontarf Yacht & Boat Club, said they were delighted to host the annual fishing trip for service users from St Michael’s House. 

“The trip this year was a great success, and we introduced an alternative programme which proved very popular,” he said. “In addition to the sailing, our guests took part in some crab fishing on the slip.”

The experts on hand introduced the service users to the foundations of water safety, and the group finished their trip, which was also supported by Dublin City Council, with a well-deserved BBQ to warm up after spending the day on the water. 

The St Michael’s House fishing trip was the first of three taking place this summer, with the CRC Clinic and Portmarnock Arch Club set to take a spin on the Dublin waves later this month.