Kinsale Regatta under way after funding headache

ONE OF Europe’s oldest regattas got under way in Kinsale, Co Cork over the weekend and will continue until next Thursday.

Activities planned for coming days include the Belgooly Road race, an ocean yacht race, swimming races, sailing regattas and a boules final. Entertainment on land during the week comes from singer/songwriter John Spillane, The Corrigans and The Weavers.

The Kinsale Regatta was first held around 200 years ago at a time when the British army was in Kinsale. It is a cherished event among townspeople and attracts hundreds of visitors every year.

In June, however, organisers had feared the event would not go ahead because of a shortfall of sponsorship money. Fortunately, they managed to attract backing and with the continued support of SuperValu, Howard Holdings and Eli Lilly Pharmaceuticals, the event’s future looks secure.

Last night, the veterans’ Dock Rowing Club Regatta took place in Kinsale and there was also a parade by the Munster Morris Minor Club. More than 100 boats from as far afield as the US, Australia and New Zealand took part in events over the weekend.

The regatta features an annual “welcome home” event for emigrants coming to Kinsale for the festival. A civic reception is held in the Municipal Hall, followed by a social evening in a local hotel.

Meanwhile, Irish Water Safety (IWS) has issued a notice to people to be vigilant on the water this bank holiday weekend.

IWS’s appeal urged people to be responsible and to avoid becoming a drowning statistic by following key water safety tips.

“There is no room for complacency when it comes to activities in, on or near water,” commented Michael Kitt, Minister of State for Environment, Heritage and Local Government. “I encourage people to improve their knowledge of water safety best practices by logging onto Irish Water Safety’s website www.iws.ie.

“Children in particular need advice on how best to stay safe in and around water especially during warm weather”, he added.

This article appears in the print edition of the Irish Times