PAUL LYONS – Service To Sport
Paul Lyons Photo: michaelorourkephotography.ie
This Service to Sport award winner is a Carlow man to his fingertips. He was born in 1944 when the county won its only Leinster senior football championship title.
Yet while he went on to have a profound interest in all GAA matters, it was rowing where Paul found his niche. His influence on Carlow rowing has left an indelible mark.
He competed at underage up to senior level. Under the influence of Bill Duggan, Paul became involved in administration and club development. He led moves for the acquisition of the site where the rowing club now sits. Paul went on to hold posts including Club Secretary, Regatta Secretary, Treasurer and President. He also completed his umpiring exams from Rowing Ireland.
The Carlow man had connections with the Skibbereen Rowing Club. A club which is now one of the most famous in the country but through this year’s award winner, Skibbereen initially procured two boats from Carlow.
The current lay-out of the Barrow Track with the Rowing Club neatly embedded into where it is now is a jewel in the crown of Carlow Town. He was involved in the construction of an easy access slip-way where the new facility has enhanced the enjoyment for everyone and has given safe and easy access to the river for all.
Engaging with the County Council, Paul was involved in the planning work for the building of the Bill Duggan Bridge. It was a long-drawn out process which covered a 15-year period. It was well worth the wait. Paul’s input was key.
Back in the clubhouse he was involved in the 125-year celebrations. He would go on to play his part on the 150-year celebratory committee where the club produced an impressive photographic exhibition.
Very much the family man, he took great pride when his daughter, Maeve, and his niece, Nollaig, rowed, in the same boat and won in the Junior Internationals in Belgium.
Paul also played rugby for Carlow. The all-rounder was an avid sailor travelling to Blessington Sailing Club at the weekends.
When he was finished with rugby, he took up running. While he never ran a full marathon, he completed many half-marathons. He also got great pleasure out of hill-walking Yet whatever the sport, it played a distant second to Paul’s love of Carlow Rowing Club. His legacy is immense. His work has been recognised and he is one of only six who have been awarded Honorary Life Membership by the club. They are Anthony Dooley, T.R. James, Pat Purcell, Peadar Doyle, Olympic rower, Sean Drea and Paul himself. All sporting giants. Paul Lyons sits easily among great people who have given unselfishly over a lifetime to the sport of rowing in Carlow.
