Paddling their own canal canoe

Father and son team of Andrew and Meara Owen-Griffiths from Athboy set themselves a huge challenge this month to travel across Ireland in a Canadian canoe, along our canals and waterways. On Sunday 1st August, Andrew (43) and Meara (13) set off from Dublin to begin their trip of a lifetime. They have been training for the journey for most of the year with trips on the Royal Canal, Shannon/Erne waterway and many of the lakes in Cavan and Westmeath. "I've never heard of anyone who has done this before, so it's a bit of a challenge. We've canoed in Sweden and Canada also but Ireland is a great country for canoeing. It's also a beautiful way of seeing the country- taking you through the heart of County Kildare, County Meath and Westmeath before joining Loch Ree and heading down the Shannon," said Andrew. The pair also wanted to raise money for charity in the process of their challenge and after being very moved by the work of Medicins Sans Frontieres during the Haiti earthquake crisis, they aim to raise €1000 for the charity. To date Andrew and Meara have covered about 230km and have about 60 left to arrive in Limerick. They are ahead of their original schedule and should finish in a total of 10 days canoeing, a wonderful achievement for two amateur canoeists. "The route we chose was really fantastic and varied. We travelled through the Royal Canal, down the fast flowing River Inny and then through Lochs and the River Shannon. We have also travelled through parts of County Dublin, Kildare, Meath, Westmeath, Longford, Roscommon, Offaly, Galway and North Tipperary. On the last stretch we touch Co Clare before finishing in Limerick. Apart from the cities of Dublin, Mullingar and Athlone, that's a lot of countryside," said Andrew. Unfortunately Andrew had to have a small operation and can't finish the journey until his stitches are removed but they aim to finish the trip at the end of the month. "I am immensely proud of my 13-year-old son Meara. He hasn't complained on the long hard stretches, or through the rain, and he didn't flinch at the white water section of the River Inny. I don't think there are many teenagers who would stick with it over such a long time. "I know there were sections of the canal with wind and rain that needed some willpower and I know that some mornings I was aching from the exercise the day before. Thanks also to Tracy, Mick and all the friends who turned out to wave us off or welcome us," said Andrew. The Royal Canal has recently been restored and Andrew is encouraging everyone to use this wonderful amenity. He said: "Meath is blessed to have the Royal Canal and I would encourage everyone to use it. It's beautiful and so well maintained by Waterways Ireland. Ireland is perfect for Canadian canoeing- there is so much water. It's a brilliant way to see the countryside and in Meath you are in close proximity to so many lakes and rivers as well as the canal." To date Andrew and Meara have raised €850 for Medicin Sans Frontieres and hope to reach their target of €1,000 soon. "Particularly with the crisis in Pakistan the money is really needed and I can't speak too highly of the work they do. If anyone wishes to make a donation they can do so at www.justgiving.com/andrew-owen-griffiths," said Andrew. To read more about the trip see Andrew and Meara's blog at www.canoingacrossireland.blogspot.com.