Tributes have been paid to outgoing Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta administrator Ciara Dowling, who has retired after 16 years.
Regatta Chairman Don O'Dowd made a special presentation at last Wednesday's launch of Ireland's biggest regatta that takes place this July.
"Since 2001, she has steered, bossed, and minded numerous chairmen whilst making them and the event the success it is today. All I can say is," Thank you" Ciara; it was such an absolute pleasure to work with you, fight with you, laugh with you and above all, learn from you; you are The Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta!" O'Dowd told the gathering.
Dun Laoghaire's waterfront yacht clubs saluted Dowling and presented her with a token of appreciation at the 2023 launch in the National Maritime Museum that Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council Cathoirleach Mary Hanafin officiated.
Dowling said in response: "I am so grateful and humbled for the VDLR Chairman and Committee recognition for my contribution to the Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta as Event Co-ordinator & Administrator between 2005 to 2021. Little did we realise in 2005 how successful and international this event would become."
Dowling worked with Chairmen Brian Craig for the inaugural event in (2005 & 2007), Phil Smith in (2009), Adam Winkleman in 2011 & 2013, Tim Goodbody (2015 & 2017) and also the current chair Don O'Dowd from 2019.
The event is Co-hosted by the four waterfront Yacht Clubs in Dun Laoghaire (Dun Laoghaire Motor Yacht Club, National Yacht Club, Royal Irish Yacht Club and Royal St. George Yacht Club). It is set to welcome upwards of 400 boats across 36 competing classes of boats this July.