Foynes Yachts Make Successful Cruise to Limerick

7th May 2012

#FOYNES – On Saturday last the annual cruise to Limerick city took place with a flotilla of yachts leaving Foynes Yacht Club at 2pm as part of the Riverfest celebrations writes Gerry Ryan.

This is the fourth year that this particular cruise was organised, and of course as member's know, it is a very special year in the annals of Foynes Yacht Club-our golden jubilee.

On the day the weather was superb, but unfortunately, the wind was north-easterly so we had to use engine power on the journey.

At rafting up at Steamboat Quay for an hour, where they boat's were viewed by the general public, we then went into Limerick Docks for berthing for the evening.

Shannon Development hosted a reception in the Clarion Hotel at 5.30pm to distinguised guests including the Deputy Mayor of Limerick, Cllr. Diarmid Scully; Kieran Lehane, city manager; Chief Executive of Shannon Development, Dr. Vincent Cunnane; and CEO of Shannon Foynes Port Company, Pat Keating.

During the speeches, it was stressed by all of the speakers, that the River Shannon should be utilised more for public leisure. A plan is at present being put together to enable this to come to fruition in the near future.

Commodore Tom Murray, thanked the organisers of Riverfest, which he said was a fantastic success for Limerick city, and he hoped it will continue to bring in tourists and much needed revenue to the city.

After the reception member's of the yacht club went to Dolan's Restaurant for dinner, and after fireworks celebrations took place on the river Shannon, where large crowds of spectators took up vantage points to see the display.

On Sunday the flotilla left Limerick Docks for the return journey to Cooleen Point, where a Bar-B-Que was held to round of the proceedings of the weekend.

The next major event in Foynes Yacht Club will be Commodore's Day, on Sunday, May 20 with racing for all classes, starting at 2pm. The annual blessing of all craft will take place after racing on the marina. All member's are asked to come to support this very special day of the year.

Published in Shannon Estuary

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Shannon Foynes Port Information

Shannon Foynes Port (SFPC) are investing in an unprecedented expansion at its general cargo terminal, Foynes, adding over two-thirds the size of its existing area. In the latest phase of a €64 million investment programme, SFPC is investing over €20 million in enabling works alone to convert 83 acres on the east side of the existing port into a landbank for marine-related industry, port-centric logistics and associated infrastructure. The project, which will be developed on a phased basis over the next five years, will require the biggest infrastructure works programme ever undertaken at the port, with the entire 83 acre landbank having to be raised by 4.4 metres. The programme will also require the provision of new internal roads and multiple bridge access as well as roundabout access.