Today was interesting. We started the morning in Downings, where the group went kayaking in the bay. I decided not to join because I’ve always had a fear of deep, open water. Instead, I stayed on land and enjoyed a quiet cup of coffee from a local café while the others paddled out.

Even though I didn’t go kayaking myself, it was easy to see how one activity like that creates a ripple effect in the local economy. The kayaking company clearly benefits, but so do nearby businesses. Tourists often spend money at cafés, restaurants, gift shops, or even gas stations before or after the activity. That kind of foot traffic helps small towns like Downings thrive during the tourist season.

Later in the day, we visited the Glenree Sports Club and got a behind-the-scenes look at how a local GAA organization operates. Hugh spoke about his experience coaching youth soccer and working with both boys’ and girls’ teams in Hurling and Gaelic Football. These clubs may not run for profit, but they are still economic contributors. They rely on local sponsors, host fundraising events, and bring in spectators who spend money at matches. That money often stays in the community.

Comparing the two, kayaking in Downings follows a for-profit, tourism-based model. It brings in money from outside and supports seasonal growth. The GAA club, on the other hand, follows a community-based, nonprofit model. It strengthens local ties and generates a steadier flow of spending from within the area. Both play different but equally important roles in supporting the local economy.