Canal Boat Rally in Offaly celebrates 50th anniversary

THE 50th Shannon Harbour Canal Boat Rally was opened by IAWA President Kay Baxter. She praised the members and the local community for their hard work and stressed the importance of the rallies and the input of members.

John Connon, Chairman for the last two years, welcomed all rally boaters and expressed his deep appreciation to all Rally organisers for their diligent application over the last 50 years.

This year’s committee was: Chairman, John Connon; Vice Chairman, Ian Skelton; Secretary, Eibhlin Smith; Treasurer, Darrell Brislane; Commodore, Jason Pender; Children’s Liaison, Siobhan Connon; Fire & Safety Officer, Alan Lindley; Communications, Cormac Smith. The Commodore, Jason Pender, the lock-keeper we are blessed to have. He started in 1995. The first lock-keeper in the family was Jason’s great grandmother who took over the 20th lock at Ticknevin in 1903, followed by his grandfather John in that post in 1906.

In 1946 his uncle took over the same post followed by his father John in 1981. His uncles Eamonn, Harry, Jack & Pat worked the canal boats in the 30’s and 40’s. Ned also worked the ferry with horses across the Shannon below the 36th lock. A veritable dynasty of waterways personnel. Thank you Jason and your forebears, for your excellent assistance throughout the years in both winter and summer from the Committee.

Friday’ registration was accompanied by cheese and wine, with music by Mossy. Saturday opened slowly with a 10.30am Coffee morning and IWAI shop! 12.30pm saw the Chicken Run. 2pm was the gladiator competition and Offaly Historical talk and walk. Also face painting.

At 4pm there was the Water Nymphs charity presentation of €20,000 to The Irish Cancer Society. This was the culmination of four years organisation and work by Donna Pryde and her willing partner Victor Henry, supported by his mother Anna and sisters Janice and Mandy, watched over by dad Pat from above, RIP.

At 5 pm came the Blessing of the boats, then the barbeque which sold out at 250 tickets. Good eating and the Craic was enjoyed by all. Meanwhile Dermot and Shirley entertained the multitude with music from Mossy, a super traditional music band. Sunday opened with a Coffee morning and recuperation from the Craic, you understand! Then the mischief cup in honour of the late Pat Henry. Talent competition, face painting and water fight. All other competitions in the tent, safe from the elements in the guise of a short thunderstorm.

Prizes: Welly Throwing. Adults, Brian O Reilly; Ladies. Angela; Gardens: Under 5, Faye Wright; Under 8, 1st Aoife 72m, 2nd Danny Wright; Under 12: Under 12, 1st Cara “Cara”, 2nd Robyn Saunders: Teens: 1st Orna, Orla, Robyn; 2nd, Kitty, Niamh, Shonah, 72 M; Talent: Adult: 1st Donna Pryde; Under 14: 1st Orla and Ollie 72M; 2nd Molly, Moreo; Under 9: 1st Cara from Cara; 2nd Sean Buncrana. Colouring: Adult: Jane Curlew 3; U-12: 1st Lauren Xanadu: 2nd Isabella Rambler; U-8: Harvey Blackthorn; 2nd Cora Relaxin; U-5: Faye Endover; U2: 1st Charlotte Panga; 2nd Ava Irmyard; Best Cruiser: Curlew 3 June & Len; Best Dressed Table: 77 VW. Helpers in McIntyres:, Aaron, Michael, Tara, Diarmuid, Cathal. Bands: Mossy, Traditional Irish; The Booze Brothers, Mainly their own songs plus requests. Both bands were brilliant and had their audiences engrossed. The pub itself was jammed and great craic was had by all. The Canal bar was also jammed. Well done Tessa. Helpers: Mary, Daniel, Aaron, Michael, Tara, Lorcan. Band: Simon & Martin. Again excellent. The Offaly Historical walk and talk was expertly delivered by James Scully who is their star historian and speaker. He wittily enlightened the audience about the history and origins of Shannon Harbour aided and abetted by Ciaran Keenaghan. The 1st rally was attended by a choir of children from the school opposite the Community Hall. Families included The Egans, The Flannerys, The Feigherys, The Grehans and the Rigneys. They sang “The Ballad of Shannon Harbour” by Mary Rigney Murray’s Uncle. Thank you Mary.

The Rally was closed by Chairman John Connon who thanked all the Committee and helpers for their hard work and remembered gratefully the previous committees. He also announced that he and Siobhan would be stepping down after their two year stint. They received a heartfelt round of applause before handing over to Vice Chairman Ian Skelton who thanked them for moving forward with the times and appealed for new volunteers for the committee. Sponsors: McIntyres Pub, The Canal Bar, Grant’s Farm machinery, Gem Supplies Ltd, Flynns Bar and Restaurant, Carrickcraft boat Rental, Lisnabrin Engineering Ltd., Silverline Cruisers, The Harbour Master’s House B & B. The Committee wish to thank the sponsors for their generous support and contributions. According to Dermot and Shirley McIntyre this was the best ever rally since they opened the pub.