Ballymena businesses make a splash to raise £12,500 in charity Dragon Boat Race
All geared up to take part in the Dragon Boat Race on the River Lagan in Belfast in aid of the NI Hospitality School.
Monday 19 October 2026
Businesses from across the Ballymena area have joined forces to raise £12,500 for the Northern Ireland Hospitality School, swapping their workplaces for dragon boats in a spirited charity race on the River Lagan.
Ten teams took to the water for the fourth annual Dragon Boat Race, combining friendly rivalry with fundraising to help people develop the skills and experience needed to pursue careers in Northern Ireland’s hospitality industry.
The event brought together teams representing Galgorm Collection, McKeever Group and Tullyglass House Hotel, with support from local businesses including Henderson Group, Britvic Ireland, Richmond Marketing and Smyth's Engineering.
Raising funds to create career opportunities
One of the teams taking part in the Dragon Boat Race in aid of the NI Hospitality School.
The £12,500 raised will support the Northern Ireland Hospitality School’s training academies, which provide practical, industry-focused training for people seeking employment and career progression in hospitality.
Established in 2021 with initial funding from The Gallaher Trust, the registered charity was founded through a partnership between three local hotels — Adair Arms Hotel, Galgorm Resort and Tullyglass House Hotel.
The initiative was developed to address skills needs within the hospitality sector while creating employment opportunities for people in the local area.
Since opening, the School has supported more than 250 people through its bar, chef and restaurant academies, with graduates securing employment in local hotels and some progressing into supervisory and management roles.
Local businesses praised for their support
One of the teams rowing their way to the finish line at the recent Dragon Boat Race in aid of the NI Hospitality School.
Ashley Douglas, Director of Operations at the Northern Ireland Hospitality School, welcomed the fundraising achievement and thanked those who helped make the event possible.
She said:
“We're absolutely delighted with the success of this year's Dragon Boat Race and incredibly grateful to everyone who took part, supported the teams and contributed to such a fantastic fundraising total.
“The Northern Ireland Hospitality School is all about creating opportunities for people to develop their skills, build confidence and take the first steps towards rewarding careers in hospitality. The funds raised will go directly towards supporting and enhancing our academies, helping us continue to deliver practical training and open doors for future talent.
“To see so many local businesses come together in support of that ambition is hugely encouraging. It demonstrates a real commitment to investing in people and ensuring our hospitality industry has the skilled workforce it needs for the future.”
Roe Valley Resort rows to victory
One team getting ready to row at the Dragon Boat Race held in aid of the NI Hospitality School.
All geared up and ready to go for the Dragon Boat Race in aid of the NI Hospitality School.
While fundraising was the main purpose of the day, there was no shortage of competitive spirit as the ten teams battled through a series of closely contested races on the River Lagan.
It was Roe Valley Resort’s aptly named ‘Roe Row Row Your Boat’ team that ultimately emerged victorious, narrowly beating Galgorm to claim the top spot.
The event also provided entertainment for families and supporters, with food, music, dancers and cheerleaders adding to the atmosphere alongside the action on the water.
Investing in the next generation
Eddie McKeever, Chairman of the Northern Ireland Hospitality School, said the event demonstrated the value of businesses working together to support skills development and employment.
All smiles for the Dragon Boat Race in aid of the NI Hospitality School.
He said:
“The Northern Ireland Hospitality School plays an important role in connecting people with the skills, training and opportunities they need to build successful careers within our local hospitality sector.
“Events like the Dragon Boat Race are a fantastic example of what can be achieved when businesses come together with a shared purpose. Not only was there some great competition on the water, but the generosity and enthusiasm shown by everyone involved will make a meaningful difference to the work of the School.
“I'd like to thank all the participating teams, sponsors and supporters for making the event such a success – it was a brilliant family day out, with food, music, dancers and even a few cheer leaders joining in on the fun. Their continued commitment is helping us invest in the next generation of hospitality professionals and strengthen the future of our industry.”
The Dragon Boat Race forms part of the School’s ongoing fundraising efforts to provide accessible training and support long-term employment opportunities within the hospitality sector.
With more than 250 people already supported through its programmes, the latest £12,500 fundraising boost will help the charity continue creating pathways into an industry that remains an important source of employment across the Ballymena area.
Further information about the Northern Ireland Hospitality School and its training programmes is available at https://www.nihospitalityschool.com/.
