Colligan Gorge Games 2010

So just over a week ago we loaded up the Munster Dive and Canoe van at silly o'clock in the morning and headed off to Waterford for the Colligan Gorge Games. Recent years have shown this to be one of the highlights of the Irish calendar, and this year proved no different. Levels were a little down on last year, but still high enough to cushion most of the rocks, making it a fun level. The freezing cold and drizzle were enough to make any sane person think twice, so naturally none of us gave it another thought, we were in!



First up was the individual race. Groups of up to 5 raced head to head down, with the fastest 2 advancing to the next round. In the ladies expert there was some serious competition here, things got vicious! ;) In the men's Mickey and Bryan battled it out in the same heat where pride was at stake, with Mick advancing to the next round.

After the individual heats, it was time for the teams! Tasks this year were to roll half way up the course in the "Tony" eddy, to catch the little eddy above the final drop, and to wave to the judges half way down the final drop. Nice smooth lines all round here, people were really starting to get into their stride.

Then time for the individual finals. This time things really did get serious for us, no time to stop for photos or group hugs this time round! I unfortunately got caught on an eddyline half way down, and it was just enough for Ais and Erica to both scoot past me, so I finished up in a disappointing 4th. Ais finished 2nd tho, so not all bad! Eoin also finished 1st in the Junior Men's final, so plenty of good results for the team.

Finally, the prizegiving, and the team results. The MDAC ladies team of myself, Ais and Bryan (he's a lady - honest!) finished up 1st in the Ladies Expert, and Eoin's team came 1st in Junior Men.
After that all that was left was the party. As usual, it didn't fail to disappoint! Will definitely be back for this one next year :)

Thanks to Damian for the pics!