There was sucess for local paddlers at the 56th Annual International Liffey Descent held last Saturday as Helen Flanagan returned home with a gold medal and Gerry Murphy over came plenty of obstacles to secure a silver.

The race course is 28.2 Kilometres consisting of 10 weirs and one portage where you have to run for one Kilometre before entering the Liffey again.

It starts at the famous K Club Golf Club above Straffin Weir in Co Kildare and finishes at the Garda Boat Club. Islandbridge Co Dublin.

Helen Flanagan, who works at Share, Lisnaskea had a brilliant race in the womens General Purpose class taking the gold medal with a excellent display of watermanship.

Helen’s Liffey Descent got off to a good start. She managed to get down Staffin Weir without capsizing or colliding with other kayaks. A paddler is in with a good chance with the first weir under their belt.

Lucan Weir caused Helen some problems, she capsized at the bottom but managed to hold in until she was rescued by the one of the many volunteers who give their time to do safety cover on the Liffey for the event.

For some of the more difficult weirs, she managed to navigate them successfully using advice gained from more experienced paddlers.

Helen moved into pole position before the second last weir, ‘Palmerstown’, this is one of the toughest, but she got through successfully and pushed the last few kilometres to the finish.

“I am delighted to complete the Liffey Descent without falling out of my kayak, winning was an amazing bonus.” said Helen.

Gerry Murphy, paddling in the mens Vet Racing Kayak had a more eventful race but still managed to pick up silver. While paddling down Straffin Weir the pin that holds his seat in place snapped and left him swimming at the first hurdle.

After getting back in the boat he paddled hard through the jungle trying to get back on the pace. After the portage came the Sluce Weir and a collision with a rock put two holes in the bottom of the boat and the boat took on a lot of water.

Having to completely remove his seat after Lucan Weir and sit on the floor of the boat it was a hard slog to the finish. After having to portage twice to empty the boat he made it to Island Bridge exhausted and sore but delighted to finish the race.

Gerry said: “The Liffey Descent is a brilliant race to take part in. To finish is an achivement as a lot of boats get smashed up on the weirs and rocks and to finish with a silver medal is even better.”