A ‘Yard of Ale’ - the “famous trophy” - as the Laser sailors described it was presented to Ronan Kenneally at Monkstown Bay Sailing Club in Cork Harbour where he won the Winter League for the second year running as reported this evening by Tom MacSweeney in the Evening Echo

Freezing temperatures and a chilly Northerly wind arrived as forecasters predicted when the dinghy sailors gathered on the Sand Quay at Monkstown for the final day of the CH Marine League which had 19 entries. Race Officer, Colin Barry, on board committee vessel "Kiawah”, set a course from Monkstown Creek back up to Monkstown's Sand Quay. Cork Harbour Marina’s physical presence and a strong ebb tide meant the battle for first place was won by whoever could stay closest to shore. The 12-15 knots of breeze under clear skies made it a testing closure to the series.

Heavy-air ‘specialists’ were dominant, with former Great Britain Laser Squad sailor Rob Howe back on the leaderboard, having two firsts as the morning racing proceeded. Nick Walsh also revelled in the conditions, claiming a first place in the second race. Charles Dwyer was first in Race 3. Strong gusts in the windy conditions caused some competitors to have spectacular capsizes into the icy the waters of Monkstown Bay.

By the end of racing Ronan Kenneally, who had led the league throughout the series, did enough to maintain that position and win overall for the second year in succession. Nick Walsh placed second, Charles Dwyer third and Rob Howe finished fourth overall.