This Meitheal was built on passion, enthusiasm and naivety.

8^th May I posted a Facebook message asking if anyone was interested in Dragon Boating. I did it quite naively and was overwhelmed with the response. I focused all my energy from the grief of my sister on this project and brining it to life. I was fearful but determined. I literally took one step at a time and I asked for help from my family friends and community.

The people of Ballina took the concept and trusted in it. We got support from so many even though they weren’t 100% sure what we were all about. So what have I learned over the past year?

• Take a chance: this was difficult but I knew it was key for my healing and recovery
• Challenge yourself: putting my idea out there was one of the biggest challenges as it left me open to judgement good and not so good.
• Ask for help and guidance: I was ok with this part of the journey as Meitheal is part of my DNA
• Share and receive knowledge: it was so exciting to hear from others and share my experiences
• Have fun and good laughs: This has been a great journey of laughter and fun with so many new people in my life.
• Welcome new people: meeting so many new people from all over the world, with wonderful life experiences and stories has been amazing.
• Join in even when you are scared or lack confident: I think I did this by joining the singing group (even though I had always been told I couldn’t sing). I was supported to do that by other Dragons and its has been amazing.
• Trust yourself: this was key in my healing journey. Its ok to have bad days and know I have the coping skills to move through and acknowledge where I’m at. 
• Collaboration is key: This has made the journey challenging and rewarding for me as an individual and for Ballina Dragons.
• Make space for people to blossom: This is one of my favourite thing. Watching people offer ideas and with support bringing the concept to life.
• Encourage people to be involved at whatever level they choose: Our Associate members are key to our Meitheal Abhainn and this is evident in all aspects of the club.
• There is a space and place for every person to be involved: it is central to me and Ballina Dragons that people are included and we are accessible. I have learned so much from other Dragons and continue to be open in the learning and development.
• Given opportunities people are willing and able to lead with passion and enthusiasm: this has given me the greatest joy to see people grow in confidence and having a full support crew as their main cheer leaders

 Ballina Dragons Meitheal Abhainn has been a journey of growth and fulfilment. It has opened opportunities for individuals and the group to reignite forgotten talents and skills. It has grown new friendships and given opportunity to others to experience life through a new or different lenses.

Ballina Dragons is about paddling, Pilates, outings, fun, laughter, tears, fears, rewards achievements and so much more. The Dragon Boat is the tool we use to build ourselves, our friends and our community.

Our first year in Ballina Dragons has given me great joy and hope. I know that when we give a little we get a lot. Finally , it is so important to live in the present and enjoy every single moment.

In memory of Carmel Swanick Paradise

Denise Swanick