Enniskillen Royal Boat Club held a very special boat naming ceremony last Saturday on a day which unfortunately saw the 63rd Erne Head of the River cancelled due to flooding. The Mark Hallett was unveiled in front of a large crowd of people including Mark’s family and friends, coaching staff, parents and rowers.
Rev Kingston and Fr McEntee said prayers and blessed/dedicated the eight in memory of Mark who died almost 2 years ago. He was one of the first St Michaels rowers to come to row at the Club. His family and friends raised the money for the boat which was on Lough Erne for the first time on Saturday. The link between ERGS and St Michaels was marked by sports jerseys from both schools being placed on the boat ahead of the ceremony.
Robert Northridge MBE remembered Mark’s energy and positivity while he was a member of the Club. He was joined by Richard Bennett who was headmaster at the school at the start of the cross community project in 1988 and Elizabeth Armstrong, Principal of ERGS and David Storrs, President of ERBC. Many thanks to everyone who contributed to making the occasion special for Mark’s family. Mark’s wife Neesha and his sons were unfortunately not able to travel from Abu Dhabi for the event. Everyone at ERBC is very grateful to everyone who contributed to the fundraising for this boat which will be used for the Club’s younger members
