DUBLIN PORT COMPANY ROWS IN TO SPONSOR NEW BOAT FOR STELLA MARIS

Dublin Port Company (DPC) is delighted to announce its sponsorship of a new boat for Stella Maris Rowing Club. This exciting collaboration exemplifies Dublin Port Company’s ongoing commitment to celebrating and supporting the local community.

The coastal rowing boat – named St Laurence II after the original St Laurence, which was built, owned and competed in by Dublin Port workers in the 1950s– represents yet another investment by DPC in promoting the sport of rowing in Dublin. It will also provide Stella Maris Rowing Club’s dedicated members – which range from age 10 onwards – with state-of-the-art equipment that will enhance their training and capabilities.

This continued and long-standing partnership comes as part of DPC’s wider plans for a new ‘Maritime Village’ within the 3FM Project. The Maritime Village will enable a modern sailing and rowing campus which will provide enhanced facilities for a range of users including sailing and rowing clubs, sea scouts, the Nautical Trust and local boat owners. The Maritime Village has been developed in consultation with local groups and will replace the current much smaller facilities as well as improving opportunities to view Port activities from the new waterside public plaza area.

As a testament to the long-established traditions of Stella Maris, the new boat was blessed by Father Ivan Tonge during a ceremony held at the Ringsend club’s home on the Pigeon House Road in Dublin. This meaningful ritual, performed before launching the vessel, symbolises safe passage and protection.

DPC is dedicated to supporting initiatives that contribute to the social fabric and well-being of Dublin’s residents and this latest collaboration continues to strengthen the bond between the maritime industry and the local community.

Barry O’Connell, Chief Executive, Dublin Port Company, said: “We are honoured to offer our continued support to Stella Maris Rowing Club. The values Stella embodies, such as teamwork, dedication and perseverance, align perfectly with our own ethos at Dublin Port Company.

“The new boat looks fantastic, and I can’t wait to see the role it plays in empowering the next generation of the club. This commitment ties in with our wider community initiatives to come under the 3FM Project, which will see a new Maritime Village providing enhanced facilities for a range of users including sailing and rowing clubs.”

Pat Kane, Chairman, Stella Maris Rowing Club, said: “Dublin Port has long been a friend to Stella Maris and we would like to thank them for their continued support. The original St Laurence served the club well for over 30 years and, thanks to Dublin Port, the St Laurence II will inspire and enable the next generation of rowers.”