Once again the time is drawing near as ‘high noon’ approaches for Rowallene Councillors Billy Walker and Terry Andrews.
They will be racing in St Ayles’ skiffs for two local charities… the RNLI and autism charity CAPAA.
The gutsy councillors have to date raised significant funds for local charities in their daredevil escapades such as a boxing match, a golf competition, a huge Subway eating contest… and now they are on the water in a challenge to see who will be the champion of the high seas (or at least Strangford Lough!)
The event takes place during the Killyleagh Coastal Rowing Club event and taster sessions held at Killyleagh Yacht Club  around 2.30pm with the race at 3pm.
Councillor Walker said: “We are the best of friends but when it comes to these competitive events it is deadly serious. We both want to win and the craic will be second to none as, as per the other events, we have never rowed a skiff before. It will probably be a two kilometre row.
“The crew on my skiff are political heavyweights Simon Hamilton MLA, the Economy Minister, and Mourne’s councillors Glyn Hanna DUP and Henry Reilly (TUV). Â Terry Andrews is keeping his cards very close to his chest at the moment.
“We would like to raise £1000 on the day for these excellent charities who do great work. Our next event will be in the Spring of 2017 when we will have a Challenge Bake or Cook Off in front of an audience. That should be great fun.”
Feeling up-beat, Councillor Terry Andrews said: “My team is certainly under wraps until the big day this Sunday. Billy will get a good race. I’m quietly confident my skiff will stay afloat and cross the finishing line with the dream team.
“We both really enjoy these competitive events for charity and after a trawl for a crew in the political depths I know we can do it. By the time we are finished Billy and his motley crew will be 20,000 leagues under the sea. It’s all a bit of craic anyway. The real winners are the charities.
“We both attended the Skiffie Worlds International Rowing event at Delamont and were delighted at the huge turnout of competitors and spectators. It was a fantastic event and shows what coastal rowing can do!”
You can make a donation to the local councillors rowing for charity at JustGiving on:
The Big Row For Charity
