Willie Walker wins his latest charity battle with fellow councillor Terry Andrews

21 September 2016

THE weather wasn’t kind for last weekend’s latest charity challenge organised by Rowallane councillors Billy Walker and Terry Andrews.

But despite a stiff breeze and heavy rain, the duo took to the water at Killyleagh harbour to go head-to-head in a skiff race and made a major splash, raising £1,000 for Downpatrick charity Children And Parents And Autism (CAPAA) and the RNLI.

The DUP and SDLP rivals have participated in a number of fundraising events over recent years and while still drying out from their exploits last Sunday afternoon, the pair have confirmed they will be getting their rolling pins out next spring to take part in a bake-off challenge at the Bridge Community Centre.

The next fundraising challenge will be in aid of the Killyleagh Youth -In project and the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust which helps families bring home loved ones who have died overseas.

But back to last weekend when the political rivals — who are also great friends — donned their life jackets and climbed into their skiffs for the first time in their lives. And it showed.

The initial plan was for councillor Walker to be joined by Stormont Economy Minister Simon Hamilton in his team, but he was unable to participate due to commitments in Germany for the two races.

The DUP man’s team included Newry, Mourne and Down Council colleagues Henry Reilly and Glynn Hanna, with councillor Andrews joined by the SDLP’s Mark Murnin, Pete Byrne and John Trainor. Councillors Murnin and Byrne joined Terry for one of the races and councillor Trainor replaced Pete Byrne in the second.

The poor weather led to choppy conditions at the harbour and with friends, family and supporters cheering the rowers on, they gingerly set off, with Walker and his crew making the early running.

Given the inexperience of the teams, they were each joined by a member of Killyleagh Rowing Club, with a crew from Portaferry RNLI in the Blue Peter V maintaining a watching brief.

A few of the rowers ended up on their backs in the boats after their oars caught a few waves, but the camaraderie between the two teams was very much in evidence and Walker was delighted to emerge victorious.

“I hammered him,” the DUP man declared triumphantly as he was helped out of his skiff. “Everyone got a real soaking, but it was great fun and I have to admit not only did I enjoy it, but I could have taken part in a few more races.

“The water was choppy enough and when after a bit of a struggle I eventually managed to get into my skiff, I was ready for the off. Andrews never stood a chance given the political heavyweights I had in my team,” joked councillor Walker.

“It was great fun, but a lot tougher than I imagined. Defeating Terry was as easy as taking candy from a baby and while I am well out in front in our charity head-to-heads I know he will keen to level the scores.

“We may be political rivals, but have been close friends for a long time and it is great when people support our various fundraising efforts. This time around we have raised around £1,000 and we are delighted. If people still want to donate they are more than welcome to do so.”

Councillor Walker said while he will bask in the glory of his weekend win, the real winners will be CAPAA and the RNLI, praising the excellent work of both organisations.

He added: “The weekend race was easier than the eating challenge Terry and I took part in last year and those who know me will find that hard to believe, but it’s true. It’s now on to the baking challenge and I am confident of victory. I’ve taught Mary Berry everything she knows.”

Extending his congratulations to the DUP man, councillor Andrews said he enjoyed the challenge and thanked Pete Byrne for travelling from Crossmaglen to take part. The SDLP man was also grateful to Newry, Mourne and Down Council chairwoman Gillian Fitzpatrick for travelling to Killyleagh for the event.

“Horatio Walker may have won the weekend challenge but I am already plotting my revenge,” he declared. “The skiff race was the experience of a lifetime and while the weather and sea conditions were pretty atrocious, it was a great afternoon’s craic.

“I am disappointed to lose, but want to thank Killyleagh Rowing Club and Killyleagh Yacht Club for all their help and support on the day. The spirit among all the rowers was brilliant and while none of us will be making a push for the Olympic rowing squad in 2020, the challenge was thoroughly enjoyable.”

Councillor Andrews admitted once race got underway he did not have much time to think and said he was delighted his team were able to keep their skiff afloat.

He added: “The real winners are of course CAPAA and the RNLI. Billy and I want to thank everyone for their support and donations. While we may be from different backgrounds, we have worked closely for many years and feel privileged to be able to raise money for organisations which do so much good at the heart of our community.

“The weather didn’t stop us last weekend. We were determined the challenge would go ahead and it will be interesting to see who can stand the heat in the kitchen next spring when we don our pinnies for a bake-off challenge to raise some more dough for worthy causes.”

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