Vartry Rowing Club used the biannual Celtic Challenge last May as a platform to raise money for St. Vincent’s Foundation, the fundraising body for St. Vincent’s Healthcare Group which raises funds in aid of research and patient care. The Celtic Challenge is the longest open sea race of its kind in the world and Vartry Rowing Club came second in this year’s competition.
George O’Brien, chairman of Vartry Rowing Club said, “The people of Wicklow were incredibly generous in supporting us and we are very grateful for their support in raising funds for this very worthwhile cause.”
Despite all the success, Vartry Rowing club is still without its own clubhouse. George said, “Other rowing clubs around the country have their own club house and facilities and Vartry, which is arguably one the most successful, does not. We are petitioning Wicklow County Council for a clubhouse to form part of its plans to develop the harbour as it is a wonderful club that gives so much back to the community where it is based. “
