Tom MacSweeney column: Meitheal Mara fostering Cork's maritime culture

Wed, 21 Jan, 2026 - 12:54

I have admiration for Meitheal Mara, which has contributed a huge amount to fostering the maritime culture on the River Lee.

The maritime cultural organisation and community boatyard at Crosses Green was founded in 1993 as a community enterprise and training centre. It is a registered charity whose primary object is to promote and foster maritime cultural activities and social inclusion.

The latest project it is undertaking is intended to make the river more accessible to young people through specially-aimed rowing and sailing programmes.

This is the ‘Bádóireacht Pathways Programme for 2026’, creating supported routes for those aged 12 to 25 to “progress from an initial experience on the water as novice rowers to lifelong engagement with maritime activities, either as a recreational pursuit or as a potential career pathway”, according to the organisation.

“It’s an integrated initiative to engage young people with maritime activity,” says youth programme manager Clare Hayden. “We achieve our projects through community boating, employment, and partnerships with emphasis on currachs and other traditional boats.

“Each year we hear from our youth participants that they want more time and new challenges on the water,” Clare told me.

“This feedback motivated us to create new opportunities that build on their rowing and sailing skills, while also deepening their maritime knowledge. It is inspiring to see young people take on these challenges and grow in confidence as they achieve their goals.”

Taster session

Meitheal Mara works with youth groups, including Foróige, CDYS, YMCA, and Cork Life Centre. Many groups begin with a rowing taster session in Meitheal Mara’s traditional currachs. From this first experience, travelling beneath Cork’s bridges and seeing the city from the river, groups often go on to participate in a 10-week rowing training programme, preparing for the Ocean to City youth race.

“This race is a fantastic opportunity to showcase Cork Harbour to rowers from near and far. The 4km youth race is an integral part of the event. When you see the joy and pride on the faces of young people crossing the finish line, you understand how much that achievement means,” Ocean to City race manager Geri Murphy said.

“After completing an initial spring rowing programme, participants can progress through a range of options. The Bádóireacht Summer Camp is a four-day programme each August where young people experience everything from the adrenaline of regatta racing to the calm of a picnic row along the Glashaboy River. Teamwork is central to the experience, both on the water as crews and on land while launching boats and preparing equipment.

“There are further progression opportunities including Fionnbarra youth voyages, participation in the Bádóireacht Youth Council and the Youth Leadership Programme.”

Those aged 16 and over can take part in the leadership programme which equips participants with skills and knowledge to become assistant trainers on the water.

Skills

In addition to rowing and sailing skills, youth leaders receive training in understanding tides, reading weather forecasts, and using safety equipment, along with certifications in manual handling and first aid.

Liam McCormick is a former Bádóireacht participant now studying outdoor education at the Atlantic Technological University in Castlebar, Co Mayo.

Speaking about his experience at Meitheal Mara, he said: “I started rowing when I was 16. At the beginning, I wasn’t very confident and wasn’t very good at it, but I quickly fell in love with the sport and it gave me a reason to get active and challenge myself.”

‘Taster Bádóireacht sessions’ for youth groups are open for booking for February and March.

For more information, contact Clare Hayden at badoireacht@meithealmara.ie.

Meitheal Mara has also fixed the next Interfirm Dragon Boat Challenge on the river for Saturday, April 18.

“Every year, companies, groups, and organisations battle it out in this high-energy race on the River Lee with 17 participants per crew for 250m from the iconic Port of Cork sign to the Lapp’s Quay Boardwalk, to the pounding beat of the dragon’s drum.

No experience is needed — just teamwork, determination, and plenty of spirit,” says Meitheal Mara, encouraging participation.

A pre-race training session will take place on Monday, April 13, “ensuring crews feel confident and ready for race day”.