PICTURES: Breast cancer survivors savour the freedom as they paddle the water in Limerick

THERE IS a sense of serenity on the water in Limerick as a group of breast cancer survivors are ready to paddle out on their new boat.

On the water, the women of Limerick Dragons have found a safe space, where camaraderie and fitness reign.

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A 2,000-year-old ancient Chinese water sport, dragon boat racing was trialled as a treatment for breast cancer survivors by Dr Don McKenzie in 1996.

After introducing 24 breast cancer volunteers to dragon boats and paddling techniques, McKenzie found that the movement required for paddling prevents the risk of lymphedema - a problem which occur after cancer surgery, when lymph nodes are removed.

In Limerick, dozens of survivors come together in paddle dragon boats to improve their wellness and raise awareness.
After buying a second boat last year for €500, the Limerick women needed a bit of help to work on revamping the boat - help they found among Limerick’s gardai.

A new boat they launched among friends.

Speaking of their new boat, one of the Limerick Dragons, Amanda Jordan, said: “We felt it needed a bit of work, so the call was put out for people to help. So the Limerick Gardai offered to help us. One of them, John O'Sullivan, has a lot of experience with water and all of that, so he came along and helped us. So the boat was taken off and it was stripped, painted again and cleaned up and everything was fixed.”

Before putting the boat on the water, the Limerick Dragons had to update their risk assessment, to make sure they were following official guidelines and paddling safely. At the launch, which took place near O’Brien’s, they announced the boat’s name - which was picked by a majority.

“We had to update our risk assessment, and then we were in a position to finally put our boat back on the water, so we said we'd have a launch, and we did a poll of all the members as to what name we'd pick for the boat,” said Amanda. “The name Serenity was picked, it was a majority vote.”

A name which is more than fitting for the Limerick Dragons, who find serenity and friendship on the water.

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Amanda, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021, is one of 39 dragons. Among fellow breast cancer survivors, she has found comfort. “I've learned that everybody is going through something. A lot of people have been affected by breast cancer, whether they themselves have had it or known of somebody who had it. I’ve learned that it’s only a part of us, it doesn’t define us,” she said.

Now that their new boat is ready to float, the Limerick Dragons will meet every week.

“We're going to be going out there every Tuesday and Thursday evening around 7pm, and then we're going to try and get out in Limerick, but it's going to be down to the tides,” said Amanda.