Sir, - Very recently I had the great pleasure of blessing and launching a new skiff for St Michael's Rowing Club. It was a particular delight for me to see so many young people and young parents with their children present. Indeed, there were many others present who recalled so vividly their memories of the harbour and coal yard which they hold so dear. It was so good to see a number of public representatives also present on that Sunday afternoon.
The new vessel, fittingly named the St Michael, which in the blessing ceremony I also entrusted to the youth of Dun Laoghaire, will provide new opportunities for young people to enjoy healthy exercise in Dublin Bay for many years to come.
It is my sincere hope that the coal quay in which the St Michael's Rowing Club is based and out of which they operate will continue to be a safe and guaranteed facility along with its adjoining boat yard for the young people of Dun Laoghaire as it has been for their forebears in past generations. I believe that there is a heavy responsibility on all of us and on the authorities to ensure that this vital facility, the coal quay and boatyard, remain fully open to the rowing club, to all the youth of our parish, and to the general public in the years ahead. - Yours, etc.,
Patrick J. Mangan PP, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin.