Enjoyable weekend at 51st Shannon Harbour Canal Boat Rally

THE rain stopped just in time for the opening of the 51^st Shannon Harbour Canal Boat Rally and the Commodore’s reception on Friday evening.

The wine and cheese reception had a beautifully presented charcuterie platters and of course a sophisticated choice of wine, organised by the Commodore, Damien Buckley and expertly served by Ian Skelton, Siobhan & John Connon, Angela Downes and helpers. Angela made delicious homemade brown bread.

Darrell Brislane was fully occupied on registration duty. It was great to see so many people mixing including Steve Kitt and Christine Lee, Annabelle 2, newcomers, and Paric and Sue O Brollachan, Berling, seasoned participants for over 50 years.

Chairman Ian Skelton welcomed the assembled bargers and boaters whilst Commodore Damien Buckley delivered a lovely appropriate speech. Damien and his wife Martina were involved on committees for eight Rallies. They rescued 44m Sandpiper, a wreck in two separate halves and in two years transformed her into a fabulous restoration. Martina’s father skippered 44m towards the end of her working career.

Waterways Ireland donated a very informative display of historical and contemporary posters of the canals and waterways. A set for youngsters and one for adults in the spacious marquee. I was particularly interested in the porter poster, steady! My grandfather and father were Guinness management. Dad’s stories are replicated on the poster, so they must be true! John Connon got a star rating on The Trade poster under Work Boats.

On Saturday the barbecue by David Smith & Co. was a great success for the 190 diners. Music by No More Mossy. Breakfast on Sunday morning was rather muted. I blame the rain on Saturday night! Bacon sandwiches by Darrell Brislane and another excellent array of food. The Chicken Run featured Ian Skelton and John Connon in appropriate costumes.

The results of the competitions were as follows; Horse shoe throwing Men, Andy Fitzsimons. Ladies: Ger Carney, Milo. Adult Quiz: Emily Ann and Ann Marie, Relaxing. Welly Throw Men: Ivan Mullins, Panga. Ladies: Nancy, Relaxing. Line Heaving Men: Darrell, Galafray. Ladies Linda, Kelga: Best Dressed Table, Sue and Pairic O Brollachan, Berling. Talent Contest, Sean Mirano: Teens Colouring, Robin, Paulo Alto: Under 12, Ornaig, Beccles: Under 9, Isabelle, Rambler: Overall Gardens, Orna, Relaxing: Mischief Cup, Chris, Rambler & James, Big Blue: Endeavour Award, Angela, Xanadu: Cruiser Cup Tom & Joanne, Lisa Jane: Stephen, Jennie and Zoe, River Scout: Carolan Cup, Sean, Morano.

McIntyres Bar, as usual was very busy, with team McIntyre working diligently. Shirley and Dermot as ever are great hosts and very organised feeding and watering the large crowd. Music by The Athlone Girls, Jared Madden, and The Booze Brothers, Ray Flanagan and Alan Coleman. The Canal Bar was open for the Rally. Teresa Mann was in charge as usual. Volunteers were Tessa Hough, Mary Hough, Yvonne Larkin, Lorcan Troy, Michael Clear and Karl Bond. Michael Hough was interacting from Canada. Music by Simon Ryan and Martin Mulhare, The Ril deal, the Brady brothers, Shane and Cathal.

A Bolinder engine was displayed and operated by Kevin Foley and Jerry Burke. The greaser on the boat had to tend the engine every twenty minutes. When the black smoke turned to grey the engine was running well. I know, but it’s an old historical fact from a different era!

The committee and helpers organised the rally, fed and facilitated everybody. Great work by Chairman Ian Skelton, Secretary John Connon, Treasurer Darrell Brislane, Commodore Damien Buckley and Children’s Liaison Officer Siobhan Connon. With thanks to all our generous sponsors; McIntyres Pub, Grants farm machinery, Flynn’s Bar and Restaurant, Sexton’s SuperValu, Hills Hire, Gem Supplies Ltd., Outdoorsy, Carrick Craft, Lisnabrin Engineering, The Harbour Masters House, Silverline Cruisers, The Canal Bar.

Rather than further increase costs to boaters, the committee would appreciate more sponsors joining to alleviate the rising cost of living. Please contact IWAI, Shannon Harbour Branch.