The Woodenbridge Paddlers in Durrow are hoping to make a World Record next weekend and raise funds for the Cuisle Cancer Support Centre in the process.
They are hosting a 24 hour Canoe Polo Marathon on the water on July 22 and 23.
One of the organisers, Michael G Phelan, explained how, after consultation with the Guinness World Record, they discovered that no such record exists.
He said: “We’re holding a 24 hour canoe polo marathon on the water to raise funds for the Cuisle Cancer Centre.
“The game is similar enough to basketball, only that it is played on the river.
“It is 5-a-side, 15 minutes a half and played in the boats. It is a recognised water sport.
“We have applied to the Guinness Book of Records and we have been told that there is no such thing as the longest game of water polo.
“So they say that they will send out somebody to verify it and they will video the whole 24 hours of it.”
To launch the event last night, members of the Clough-Ballacolla and The Harps hurling clubs game together for a practice session on the water.
And Michael confirmed that they will be joined by a whole host of other organisations to take part over the 24 hours.
He said: “A lot of the local clubs are getting involved.
“We will also have The Harps camogie club, Cullohill Walking club, St Brigid’s camogie club, the scouts in Rathdowney, the cubs in Durrow, the Ossory cycle club, the Durrow-Cullohill Anglers and we even have a team from UL in Limerick coming up.
“Some of the singing groups from around the area are going to come and perform on the day too.
“And we’re also putting up a marquee where people will be able to come and enjoy some refreshments.”
All funds raised from the event will go to the Cuisle Cancer Support Centre and Phelan says there are two ways you can donate.
He said: “We have the traditional old way with the sponsorship cards but we also have a facility online.
“So you can click on the link and donate there. Former Laois Rose Kate Hyland set us up with it.
“She did something for Chernobyl and she used this online facility.
“So we’re hoping to see many people there and raise a great deal of money in the process.”
READ ALSO – 11 things girls who grew up in the 90s will remember
