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Displaying items by tag: Enniskillen

#Rowing: UCD made their exit at Henley Women’s Regatta, but Enniskillen moved into the semi-finals today. Newcastle University made a fast start in their quarter-finals of the Aspirational Academic Eights against UCD and built it into a clearwater lead.

 Enniskillen were all set to take on Wimbledon High School, but in the event they were given a row over as Wimbledon did not compete due to a disqualification.

Published in Rowing

#Rowing: UCD’s eight beat Jesus College, Cambridge, to progress to the quarter-finals at Henley Women’s Regatta today. The Irish crew will take on Newcastle University at 4.44 pm.

 Enniskillen’s junior 18 eight came through a time trial to qualify for their quarter-final. They will take on Wimbledon High School at 3.40 with strong hopes of moving into Sunday’s semi-final.

Published in Rowing

#Rowing: Bann won the women's junior 18 eights with some style at Athlone Regatta today. In a battle of Northern Ireland clubs, the women in red and white were two lengths ahead of Enniskillen, with Coleraine GS third.

The women's junior 18 fours came late in the day and was a terrific battle. Commercial produced a cracking finish to win by a length from Enniskillen, with Bann third.

Coleraine's Molly Curry was a convincing winner of the women's junior 18 single, while Brian Colsh of Sligo was the men's junior sculling winner.

Galway's St Joseph's won the men's junior 18 eight, while Bann's good day included a win in the men's junior 18 four.

Published in Rowing

#Rowing: Enniskillen’s Sam Balcombe and Peter Murphy took a fine third place in the men’s Championship Pair at the National Schools Regatta at Dorney Lake today.

 On Saturday, Enniskillen had won gold in the Junior 16 Girls coxed four by a big margin.

 Ryan Spelman of St Michael’s took his place in the A Final of the Championship Single Sculls, and finished well to challenge the leaders. He took fifth.

 Coleraine Grammar School also took fifth in the final of the Junior 16 Girls Double.

Published in Rowing

#Rowing: The Afloat Rowers of the Month for April are the Enniskillen girls’ and boys’ junior 18 eights which won at Commercial and Neptune regattas, respectively. The young women won the final race at  Commercial, beating the hosts in a fine contest which drew the curtain on more than two days of action at Islandbridge. Enniskillen’s boys’ junior 18 eight had beaten Coláiste Iognáid at Neptune regatta on the Saturday.

 Enniskillen’s fine run recently has included outstanding placings in the Schools’ Head of the River in London, where the girls placed fourth and the boys sixth – and sixth fastest overall.

Rower of the Month awards: The judging panel is made up of Liam Gorman, rowing correspondent of The Irish Times and David O'Brien, Editor of Afloat magazine. Monthly awards for achievements during the year will appear on afloat.ie. Keep a monthly eye on progress and watch our 2019 champions list grow.

Published in Rower of Month

#Rowing: Commercial and UCD took the senior eights titles at Neptune Regatta in different fashions. Trinity's women's eight led UCD passing the Neptune boat house, but UCD fought hard and passed their great rivals to win by a canvas. Commercial beat UCD by one a half lengths in the men’s race.

On a cool, sunny day, Enniskillen boys competed in numbers – their girls will take part in Sunday’s Commercial Regatta – and had a set of good wins, the pick of them being a three-length win over Colaiste Iognaid in the men’s junior 18 eight.

In a battle of two strong junior 18 quadruples, Three Castles beat Neptune, while Trinity won the club one eight, also beating the hosts.

Two Neptune men, twin brothers Ronan and Colum Brennan, fought it out in the men’s junior singles, with Ronan coming out on top.

Rhiannon O’Donoghue of Killorglin beat Commercial’s Katie Dolan in the women’s club one single – Dolan had earlier won the senior single.

Neptune Regatta, Islandbridge, Saturday (Selected Results)

Men

Eight, Sen: Commercial bt UCD 1 ½ l. Club One: Trinity bt Neptune 3l. Novice: UCD bt Trinity A canvas. Jun 18: Enniskillen bt Col Iognaid 3l. Jun 16: Col Iognaid bt Blackrock 3ft.

Four – Club One, coxed: Enniskillen bt Neptune Jun 18, coxed: Enniskillen B bt Enniskillen A 2½ l. Masters, coxed: Commercial, Belfast BC, Galway bt Neptune.

Sculling, Quadruple – Club Two, coxed: Fermoy A bt Neptune 1l. Jun 18: Three Castles bt Neptune. Jun 18, coxed: Enniskillen A bt Enniskillen B. Jun 16, coxed: Cork. Double – Jun 16: Athlone bt Neptune A. Single – Sen: New Ross (Kennell-Webb bt Portadown (Laivins). Club One: Enniskillen (N Timoney) bt Enniskillen (J McDade) easily. Club Two: Trinity (Dennis) bt Carlow (Bolton-Dowling) . Jun 18: Neptune (R Brennan) bt Neptune (C Brennan) easily. Jun 16: Carlow (D Nolan) bt Neptune (A Gillick) easily.

Women

Eight – Sen: UCD bt Trinity canvas. Club One: UCD A bt Neptune. Novice: Trinity A bt Neptune 3l. Jun 16: Castleconnell bt Methody easily. Masters (G) Old Collegians bt Commercial, Belfast BC, Galway. E: Tribesmen A bt Neptune.

Four – Sen, coxed: Killorglin bt Akademiska Roddforeningen 2l. Club One, coxed: Commercial bt UCD B. Jun 18: Col Iognaid bt Carlow easily.

Sculling, Quadruple – Club Two, coxed: Killorglin bt Trinity easily. Jun 18: Athlone bt Graiguenamanagh easily. Jun 16, coxed: Col Iognaid bt Castleconnell.

Double – Jun 16: Shannon A bt Clonmel 3l.

Single – Sen: Commercial (K Dolan) bt New Ross (L Brown) 4l. Club Two: Carlow (Egan) bt Commercial (Norinho) 3l. Jun 18: Commercial (Healy) bt Commercial (Maloney) 2l. Club One: Killorglin (R O’Donoghue) bt Commercial (K Dolan). Jun 16: Three Castles (O’Loughlin) bt Shannon (Hickey).

Published in Rowing

#Rowing: Enniskillen’s girls’ and boys’ eights both shone at the Schools’ Head of the River in London today. Strong, gusting winds made conditions difficult – the numbers allowed to compete were cut because of this – but the Enniskillen RBC girls’ championship eight took fourth, while the boys’ championship eight were sixth. The boys’ crew placed sixth overall, 32.8 seconds behind the winners, Shiplake College.  

Schools’ Head of the River, London (Irish interest)

Boys – Overall: 1 Shiplake College A Boys’ Championship Eight 16 min 36.6 seconds; 6 Enniskillen RBC Championship Eight 17:09.4.

Girls – Championship Eight: 1 Henley RC 18:44.2; 4 Enniskillen RBC 18:57.9.

Published in Rowing

#Rowing: Erne Head of the River, set for Enniskillen on Saturday (March 2nd), will go ahead. The organisers expect strong winds for the six kilometre event. They have told clubs to instruct their rowers to wear warm clothing. The head is set for 2pm.

Published in Rowing
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#RNLI - Two RNLI lifeboats were launched on Friday (31 August) at the request of Belfast Coastguard to assist a pleasure fishing boat with four people onboard off Carrickfergus.

Bangor RNLI was first to launch at 3.15pm to reports that a fishing boat had a fouled propeller and was taking on water while drifting ashore onto rocks near Carrickfergus.

Once on scene, the Bangor lifeboat crew established a towline and were able to pull the sinking boat off the rocks, as well as transfer two of its crew to the safety of the inshore lifeboat Jessie Hillyard, where they were given casualty care.

The remaining two fishermen were recovered on the shoreline by coastguard members.

Due to the vessel taking on too much water, the decision was taken to request the assistance of Donaghadee RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat and use its salvage pump to try and save the vessel.

Bangor cut their towline and proceeded to take the two casualties, who were wet and cold, to Carrickfergus and the care of the waiting coastguard crew.

Donaghadee’s volunteers were paged at 4.12pm and proceeded on their lifeboat Saxon at full speed to the last reported location of the sinking vessel.

Upon arrival, the fishing boat was already semi submerged and in the shipping lane, posing a danger to shipping traffic and local boats.

The crew were able to secure a line and tow the boat to shallow waters just north-east of Carrickfergus and prevent it becoming a danger to other boats. Unfortunately, the boat was unable to be recovered.

Speaking after the dual operation, Donaghadee RNLI coxswain Philip McNamara said: “Although unable to make it on time to save the fishing boat, the main concern is the safety of the crew members onboard. Thankfully the speedy response of our colleagues in Bangor ensured the people were brought to safety before the situation deteriorated any further.

“The crew member that requested assistance as soon as they realised they were in trouble did the right thing; the two crew members that made it ashore were very lucky to do so. If in difficulties it can be best to stay with your vessel as long as possible and avoid entering the water if you can.”

In other RNLI news from Northern Ireland, young members of Lough Erne Yacht Club went the extra mile for the lifesaving charity when they held a mini triathlon that raised £310 for Enniskillen Lifeboat Station, based at their club.

five children go the extra mile for enniskillen rnli

Emma Brines and Emily Torrens along with Peter Brines, Charlie Valentine and Adam Torrens presented the cheque to Lifeboat crew members Olivia Crosgrove, Padraig Lunny and helm Brian McAleer (photo by Bob Torrens). The young sailors thanked club members, family and friends for their support.

Published in RNLI Lifeboats

#RNLI - Kilkeel RNLI’s volunteer crew launched their inshore lifeboat at 7.55pm yesterday evening (Thursday 26 July) after a crew member of a fishing boat was reported unwell and in need of medical attention.

Winds were blowing 3 to 4 knots with a choppy sea and good light as the lifeboat headed to the fishing vessel four miles south-east of Kilkeel Harbour.

On reaching the fishing boat, two lifeboat crew members went aboard to access the casualty, who was a diabetic and unconscious.

The lifeboat crew made the casualty comfortable and administered oxygen while reassuring him that he would be fine.

Another crew member went aboard with a stretcher but with the choppy conditions, it was deemed too awkward to transfer the casualty to the lifeboat, so the three crew members remained with the casualty.

On entering the safety of the harbour, the casualty was finally transferred to the lifeboat and safely brought ashore to a waiting ambulance crew. The local coastguard was also in attendance.

Kilkeel RNLI lifeboat operations manager John Fisher said: “The crew performed, as always, in a professional and competent manner and the callout showed the value of keeping up-to-date with all first aid matters. And we are glad to know that the casualty is making a good recovery.”

Earlier in the day, Enniskillen RNLI was requested to launch by Belfast Coastguard at 12.36pm to a boat aground and reports of a person in the water in the Castle Cauldwell area.

The PSNI boat Lady Grey was also requested. Weather conditions at the time were clear and bright with a moderate wind.

Enniskillen’s volunteer crew on the inshore lifeboat Joseph and Mary Hiley and the rescue water craft made their way to the area and found all six people aboard the grounded 40ft cruiser — five adults and one child — were safe and well.

A tow was set up and the crew managed to free the vessel from the area into safer water. The lifeboat crew onboard checked the boat over and found it working well mechanically, and stayed with the cruiser’s crew until they were well into the Belleek River. The passengers were happy to make their onward journey.

“We would like to wish those onboard the cruiser a safe and enjoyable onward journey,” said Stephen Ingram, Enniskillen RNLI’s volunteer lifeboat press officer. “Today’s callout was a good example of ourselves and our colleagues in the local PSNI working well together to bring people to safety.

“As people continue to enjoy Lough Erne this summer, we would remind everyone to always respect the water. If your vessel does get into difficulty call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.

“As the terrain underwater can be unpredictable we would ask people to always remain onboard your boat and wait for help to arrive.”

Published in RNLI Lifeboats
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Ireland's offshore islands

Around 30 of Ireland's offshore islands are inhabited and hold a wealth of cultural heritage.

A central Government objective is to ensure that sustainable vibrant communities continue to live on the islands.

Irish offshore islands FAQs

Technically, it is Ireland itself, as the third largest island in Europe.

Ireland is surrounded by approximately 80 islands of significant size, of which only about 20 are inhabited.

Achill island is the largest of the Irish isles with a coastline of almost 80 miles and has a population of 2,569.

The smallest inhabited offshore island is Inishfree, off Donegal.

The total voting population in the Republic's inhabited islands is just over 2,600 people, according to the Department of Housing.

Starting with west Cork, and giving voting register numbers as of 2020, here you go - Bere island (177), Cape Clear island (131),Dursey island (6), Hare island (29), Whiddy island (26), Long island, Schull (16), Sherkin island (95). The Galway islands are Inis Mór (675), Inis Meáin (148), Inis Oírr (210), Inishbofin (183). The Donegal islands are Arranmore (513), Gola (30), Inishboffin (63), Inishfree (4), Tory (140). The Mayo islands, apart from Achill which is connected by a bridge, are Clare island (116), Inishbiggle (25) and Inishturk (52).

No, the Gaeltacht islands are the Donegal islands, three of the four Galway islands (Inishbofin, like Clifden, is English-speaking primarily), and Cape Clear or Oileán Chléire in west Cork.

Lack of a pier was one of the main factors in the evacuation of a number of islands, the best known being the Blasket islands off Kerry, which were evacuated in November 1953. There are now three cottages available to rent on the Great Blasket island.

In the early 20th century, scholars visited the Great Blasket to learn Irish and to collect folklore and they encouraged the islanders to record their life stories in their native tongue. The three best known island books are An tOileánach (The Islandman) by Tomás Ó Criomhthain, Peig by Peig Sayers, and Fiche Blian ag Fás (Twenty Years A-Growing) by Muiris Ó Súilleabháin. Former taoiseach Charles J Haughey also kept a residence on his island, Inishvickillaune, which is one of the smaller and less accessible Blasket islands.

Charles J Haughey, as above, or late Beatle musician, John Lennon. Lennon bought Dorinish island in Clew Bay, south Mayo, in 1967 for a reported £1,700 sterling. Vendor was Westport Harbour Board which had used it for marine pilots. Lennon reportedly planned to spend his retirement there, and The Guardian newspaper quoted local estate agent Andrew Crowley as saying he was "besotted with the place by all accounts". He did lodge a planning application for a house, but never built on the 19 acres. He offered it to Sid Rawle, founder of the Digger Action Movement and known as the "King of the Hippies". Rawle and 30 others lived there until 1972 when their tents were burned by an oil lamp. Lennon and Yoko Ono visited it once more before his death in 1980. Ono sold the island for £30,000 in 1984, and it is widely reported that she donated the proceeds of the sale to an Irish orphanage

 

Yes, Rathlin island, off Co Antrim's Causeway Coast, is Ireland's most northerly inhabited island. As a special area of conservation, it is home to tens of thousands of sea birds, including puffins, kittiwakes, razorbills and guillemots. It is known for its Rathlin golden hare. It is almost famous for the fact that Robert the Bruce, King of Scots, retreated after being defeated by the English at Perth and hid in a sea cave where he was so inspired by a spider's tenacity that he returned to defeat his enemy.

No. The Aran islands have a regular ferry and plane service, with ferries from Ros-a-Mhíl, south Connemara all year round and from Doolin, Co Clare in the tourist season. The plane service flies from Indreabhán to all three islands. Inishbofin is connected by ferry from Cleggan, Co Galway, while Clare island and Inishturk are connected from Roonagh pier, outside Louisburgh. The Donegal islands of Arranmore and Tory island also have ferry services, as has Bere island, Cape Clear and Sherkin off Cork. How are the island transport services financed? The Government subsidises transport services to and from the islands. The Irish Coast Guard carries out medical evacuations, as to the RNLI lifeboats. Former Fianna Fáíl minister Éamon Ó Cuív is widely credited with improving transport services to and from offshore islands, earning his department the nickname "Craggy island".

Craggy Island is an bleak, isolated community located of the west coast, inhabited by Irish, a Chinese community and one Maori. Three priests and housekeeper Mrs Doyle live in a parochial house There is a pub, a very small golf course, a McDonald's fast food restaurant and a Chinatown... Actually, that is all fiction. Craggy island is a figment of the imagination of the Father Ted series writers Graham Linehan and Arthur Mathews, for the highly successful Channel 4 television series, and the Georgian style parochial house on the "island" is actually Glenquin House in Co Clare.

Yes, that is of the Plassey, a freighter which was washed up on Inis Oírr in bad weather in 1960.

There are some small privately owned islands,and islands like Inishlyre in Co Mayo with only a small number of residents providing their own transport. Several Connemara islands such as Turbot and Inishturk South have a growing summer population, with some residents extending their stay during Covid-19. Turbot island off Eyrephort is one such example – the island, which was first spotted by Alcock and Brown as they approached Ireland during their epic transatlantic flight in 1919, was evacuated in 1978, four years after three of its fishermen drowned on the way home from watching an All Ireland final in Clifden. However, it is slowly being repopulated

Responsibility for the islands was taking over by the Department of Rural and Community Development . It was previously with the Gaeltacht section in the Department of Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht.

It is a periodic bone of contention, as Ireland does not have the same approach to its islands as Norway, which believes in right of access. However, many improvements were made during Fianna Fáíl Galway West TD Éamon Ó Cuív's time as minister. The Irish Island Federation, Comdháil Oileáin na hÉireann, represents island issues at national and international level.

The 12 offshore islands with registered voters have long argued that having to cast their vote early puts them at a disadvantage – especially as improved transport links mean that ballot boxes can be transported to the mainland in most weather conditions, bar the winter months. Legislation allowing them to vote on the same day as the rest of the State wasn't passed in time for the February 2020 general election.

Yes, but check tide tables ! Omey island off north Connemara is accessible at low tide and also runs a summer race meeting on the strand. In Sligo, 14 pillars mark the way to Coney island – one of several islands bearing this name off the Irish coast.

Cape Clear or Oileán Chléire is the country's most southerly inhabited island, eight miles off the west Cork coast, and within sight of the Fastnet Rock lighthouse, also known as the "teardrop of Ireland".
Skellig Michael off the Kerry coast, which has a monastic site dating from the 6th century. It is accessible by boat – prebooking essential – from Portmagee, Co Kerry. However, due to Covid-19 restrictions, it was not open to visitors in 2020.
All islands have bird life, but puffins and gannets and kittiwakes are synonymous with Skellig Michael and Little Skellig. Rathlin island off Antrim and Cape Clear off west Cork have bird observatories. The Saltee islands off the Wexford coast are privately owned by the O'Neill family, but day visitors are permitted access to the Great Saltee during certain hours. The Saltees have gannets, gulls, puffins and Manx shearwaters.
Vikings used Dublin as a European slaving capital, and one of their bases was on Dalkey island, which can be viewed from Killiney's Vico road. Boat trips available from Coliemore harbour in Dalkey. Birdwatch Ireland has set up nestboxes here for roseate terns. Keep an eye out also for feral goats.
Plenty! There are regular boat trips in summer to Inchagoill island on Lough Corrib, while the best known Irish inshore island might be the lake isle of Innisfree on Sligo's Lough Gill, immortalised by WB Yeats in his poem of the same name. Roscommon's Lough Key has several islands, the most prominent being the privately-owned Castle Island. Trinity island is more accessible to the public - it was once occupied by Cistercian monks from Boyle Abbey.

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