"This mega makeover is wonderful because it brings so many men and women together who are cancer survivors, which has affected nearly every family in Ireland in some way.

"It’s an inspirational way to tell their stories but also highlights the great work of the Irish Cancer Society."

The group is made up of 18 women (most of whom got together in 2012 to set up the long boat racing team, the Cork Dragons) and two men.

The Cork Dragons have three boats and one of these, which will be taking part in the St Patrick’s Day Parade, was named after founding member Tara Sheridan who passed away in 2014. Make sure you look out for Tara Warrior Princess when you’re looking at the parade on Thursday.

"It was absolutely fantastic to be taken away from the treadmill and rollercoaster of cancer treatment and Chemo and be pampered," Caroline Warren Chairperson of the Cork Dragons said.

"Everyone is so happy to be spoilt rotten by the Today Show team, It gives the team a boost just in time for our Saint Patrick’s Day Parade appearance in Cork.

"We’ll be pushing a Dragon Boat all the way along the parade route. Come and give us your support we’d love to see you!"

One of the reasons that the women all chose this sport is that the specific movement of paddling a dragon boat could play an important part in preventing and improving lymphoedema – a chronic swelling of tissues that can occur due to breast surgery and radiation. 

"They are such an inspiration to everyone who has gone through, or is going through cancer treatment," Dáithí Ó Sé added.

"To them nothing is impossible, and we arranged this mega makeover to show them how much we admire them and underline the fantastic work of the Irish Cancer Society at the same time."

Watch the make-overs on the Today show, Friday March 11 at 4.10pm on RTÉ One or watch back on the RTÉ Player here

Cork Dragons was founded in September 2012 in conjunction with the HSE and ARC House in Cork. To donate and support cancer research for Daffodil Day click here

Irish Cancer Stats:

  • One in three people in Ireland will develop cancer during their lifetime.
  • In Ireland an average of 30,000 new cases of cancer are diagnosed each year.
  • The number is expected to rise to over 40,000 per year by 2020.