A three-century French connection with the south Galway harbour of Kinvara has been revived, following a deal to secure the future of one of the country's best known maritime festivals.
The Air France subsidiary, CityJet, has agreed to sponsor the annual Cruinniú na mBád or "gathering" of Galway hookers, which faced difficulties due to lack of financial support.
Not only is the deal important for the Galway hooker fleet, but it will also help to sustain traditional boatbuilding and sail making and old-style sailing, according to festival organiser Dr Michael Brogan. "And it will nurture the culture that surrounds it, including sean-nós singing and the Irish language."
Cruinniú na mBád races attract four types of Galway hookers - once known as the "workhorses" of the Connemara and north Clare coasts, when the wooden boats with "tumble-home" hulls and calico sails delivered essential supplies, including turf, to islands and outlying coastal areas.This year's event will open on August 19th, when a fleet of gleoiteogs and pucáns race from the Claddagh to Kinvara, and the queen of Cruinniú na mBád will be presented. It continues over the weekend.
Shore events will include sean-nós singing, and a parade of sail will include other traditional craft including: a Manx nobby Vervine Blossom, Achill yawls, a Scottish Zulu, Cornish Bawley, Donegal Drondheims, mackerel boats, and a "cot" from Wexford.
In Kinvara this weekend, Geoffrey O'Byrne White, chief executive of CityJet, said the Franco-Irish company was proud to be a main sponsor of the event.
He recalled French connections with Kinvara dating back to the 18th century. More than 100 French families lived there until Napoleon was defeated at Waterloo, and James de Basterot built Kinvara quays in 1773.
This year's Glandore Classic Regatta in west Cork runs from July 12th to 17th. Further details from Glandore Harbour Yacht Club at www.glandoreyc.com