Castlebar Dragon Boat Club members ready to hit the water.

No monsters but lots of 'dragons' on Castlebar lake

SOMETIMES they are said to resemble 'Viking women' as they paddle their longboat – with a drum beating – around Castlebar's Lough Lannagh.

But these determined paddlers don't have horned helmets, as worn by the feared Vikings of ancient times.

And their vessel – a dragonboat imported from China – is powered by paddles rather than oars.

Lake walkers are regularly enthralled by the sight of the colourful longboat, as 22 'crew' members - at full capacity - dip their oars in unison.

The crew of the now familiar dragonboat are mostly cancer survivors.

They find the regular outings gives them valuable exercise, fresh air and enjoyment.

Claire McNamara went along to Lough Lannagh during the week to speak to the founder of the Castlebar dragonboat club, Louise Killeen, and her hearty all female crew.

*Full feature in Tuesday's print edition of The Connaught Telegraph.