Killyleagh Coastal Rowing Club receives funding award from the National Lottery Community Fund for a new rescue boat
There were ‘oars’ of approval at Killyleagh Coastal Rowing Club when the news came through that they had been awarded funding for a new rescue boat!
Killyleagh Coastal Rowing club is now celebrating after receiving funding from The National Lottery Community Fund to buy a brand new safety boat.
The funding will back the club’s ‘Safe Rowing Shared Lough’ project keeping everyone safe on the water while opening up Strangford Lough to even more people from right across the community.
The National Lottery Community Fund distributes money raised by National Lottery players to support communities across the UK.
Killyleagh Coastal Rowing club (KCRC) rows traditional St Ayles skiffs on Strangford Lough.
The new safety boat will mean:
- Safer training and racing for all ages.
- Bigger community regattas, welcoming visitors from far and wide.
- Support for wellbeing projects that mix rowing with nature and mindfulness.
- More clean up trips around the lough and its islands, protecting wildlife and keeping the shoreline pristine.
Club Chairperson Raymond Dean said: “This is a game-changer for us. A safety boat is vital for keeping rowers safe, and now we can grow our club, run more events, and make sure the Lough is looked after too.
“We’re so grateful to The National Lottery Community Fund for making this possible.”
KCRC has said that this project is about much more than rowing… it’s about bringing people together, protecting Strangford Lough, and building community pride in Killyleagh and beyond.
Killyleagh Coastal Rowing Club would like to thank everyone who plays the National Lottery for helping to fund projects that make a real difference locally.
