EOIN RHEINISCH, THE THREE-TIME OLYMPIAN, says he ‘can’t wait’ to get to Buncrana next weekend and experience the buzz of Crana Fest for the first time.
The festival has been described as Ireland’s premier canoe event and features spectacular races, canoeing, coaching and rafting for all abilities.
Speaking prior to his trip to Donegal, Rheinisch explained that this would be his first time at the event.
“Unfortunately I have never been able to go due to other commitments and it was always an event I wanted to go to,” he said.
I have heard nothing but great things about how it is organised and ran and about how great the atmosphere and buzz is. So, I can’t wait to get up and experience that myself.”
Rheinisch will be helping out festival organiser Adrian Harkin with laying out the course for some of the races while he will also be passing on his knowledge in a series of coaching clinics.
“I love coaching and I work a lot with the Irish development squads and it is really rewarding. This sport has given me everything in life and if I can help people by passing on whatever I know then I will do that.”
And Rheinisch certainly has plenty of knowledge and experience stored up. He is a World Cup Gold medalist and seven time World Cup finalist and as well as competing three times at the Olympics he finished 4th in the Beijing games just missing out on a medal.
Two of the young talents that Rheinisch coaches on a regular bases are Moville pair Jessica Harkin and Keith Craig who will again be benefiting from his expertise this weekend at Crana Fest.
“I think people think our sport is not very accessible but that is not the case. With the amount of really good clubs that are in Ireland it is much easier to get involved than maybe people think. I am always trying to get people to give it a go. We have some of the best rivers and with events like Crana Fest there is always an opportunity to get involved,” Rheinisch explained.
If you’re a little apprehensive about getting on the water the rafting races that are on offer this weekend offer the perfect chance for people to get wet and have fun. The rafting is available to all abilities.
Open to groups and individuals, it is a great way to get involved while of course if you insist on not getting wet the races themselves are exciting and exhilarating to watch.
Crana Fest will run for two days, Saturday October 17 and Sunday October 18. With spectacular races running day and night there are plenty of thrills and spills promised.
“Everyone who has ever been has told me what a great event Crana Fest is so I’m really looking forward to the weekend. And I hope as many people as possible come out and enjoy themselves,” Rheinisch concluded.
For more information on the festival visit wwwcranafest.ie
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