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Kinsale Maritime Parade Celebrates St. Patrick's Day on Water

17th March 2019
Water borne festivities for St Patrick's Day in Kinsale Harbour Water borne festivities for St Patrick's Day in Kinsale Harbour

An astonishing array of fishing boats, motor boats and yachts gathered off Charles Fort in Kinsale Harbour at 1930 HRS on Saturday, March 16th writes Dave O'Sullivan. On the command of the Grand Marshall festive lights were switched on and all sailed line astern into the inner harbour where a firework display took place at the waterfront which was festooned with giant flame throwers.

It was a huge community event with many people travelling from far and wide to see the spectacle.

The theme, as always, was green.

Twenty-five boats took part in the parade under the watchful eye of organiser Pat Hegarty and Grand Marshall’s Pam Norris and Catherine Judge. There was also a display by the local Thundercat racing team and formation kayaking by KOEC.

Mary P (N. Prendeville) was the outright parade winner for a stunning light display. KYC Sailability was awarded second place with two boats Fiona (D. Hickey) and Pauline (G. Griffin) participating. Previous winners Baccarat (McCarthy Family) were awarded third place by the judges. A special award was given to Big Buddy Two (S. Twomey) for their most impressive youthful entry.

Special thanks to Kinsale RNLI.

This successful water-based community event will take place once again on 16th March 2020 @ 1930 HRS.

Published in Kinsale
Dave O'Sullivan

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Dave O'Sullivan

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Dave O'Sullivan is Commodore of Kinsale Yacht Club

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Kinsale Yacht Club located in Kinsale, County Cork lies just 120 nautical miles from Wales, 240 from North West France and only 500 from the Galician Coast of North Spain.

Kinsale Yacht Club is only a few minutes walk from every shop, hotel, pub and restaurant in Ireland’s gourmet capital but most significantly it is only 30 km by road from Cork, Ireland’s second city, and between the two lies one the region’s main assets - Cork International Airport - with its daily links to many European capitals.

Club members, of which there are more than 600, race Cruisers, One Design Keelboats and Dinghies.

The club runs inshore and offshore races, has an active cruising scene, a powerboat section and most significantly for any real club, a strong and dynamic junior training programme.

Beyond the club’s own marina is the club house itself and the dinghy park. Within the clubhouse are changing rooms, bar and restaurant all with full wheelchair access. The club’s full-time secretariat, steward and marina manager are there to look after sailing visitors and members alike in a relaxed, informal and fun environment.

The club welcomes new members and has always got room on its members’ yachts for new comers to the sport.