Dungarvan Sailing Club owes a lot to the hurling counterparts of the county team.
One of them brought from Stateside the plans for the first dinghy built for club sailing and which was its foundation for the growth that has led to celebrations of its 80th year, which are underway.
The story is told by Commodore Austin Flynn in my Podcast interview with him below, where he says that the hurler, well-known in the county, even expressed the view that he could prefer sailing to hurling!
Commodore’s Call — Dungarvan SC Commodore Austin Flynn addresses the launch of the club’s 80th anniversary celebrations, highlighting the need for harbour dredging to sustain activity afloat. Photo: John Foley
The story of Dungarvan SC is a good one, as he relates in the interview. Formed by a small group of enthusiasts on Friday, August 2 1946, at a public meeting in Dungarvan Town Hall, it has evolved over the decades, flourishing into a vibrant and multi-generational organisation today, offering a warm welcome for all those with an interest or curiosity in water-based activities.
“The Club reflects Dungarvan’s proud seafaring tradition, with many from the town and Abbeyside making their living on the seas historically. Once a busy trading port, the harbour is today a vital asset for highlighting Dungarvan as an attractive place to live and visit, as well as being a striking backdrop for the town,” says Commodore Flynn. But he stresses that it needs dredging.
Listening In — Club members and guests gather in the Dungarvan SC clubhouse to hear speakers reflect on the club’s history and outline plans for its 80th anniversary celebrations. Photo: John Foley
He recalls highlights from the Club’s history, including the construction of a purpose-built clubhouse on the Quay; an expanded pontoon for local and visiting boats to dock and the development a vibrant training centre that trains more than 180 sailors per year, the majority of whom are children and young people.
The club has announced a programme of events to mark the milestone. Key events include:
- A school's competition aimed at first-year secondary school students that will offer four free places on the Club’s ever-popular sailing training programme in 2026.
- An expanded sail training programme and a power boat course.
- A ‘Try Sailing’ initiative with Club members, aimed at people who are curious about the sport, but might not know where to start.
- A celebration weekend from Friday, May 15-17 that will include a photographic exhibition of the Quay and Club alongside a series of talks. There will be sailing races for cruisers and dinghies; an angling competition and kids crab fishing competition; a birthday party celebration in the clubhouse and the annual blessing of the boats and a barbecue.
Dungarvan SC Celebrates 80 Years Photo Gallery by John Foley
Dungarvan Harbour Must Be Dredged
“From small beginnings in 1946, Dungarvan Harbour Sailing Club continues to thrive. This year is an opportunity to reflect on the Club’s rich history in Dungarvan and celebrate how far it has come, while welcoming all those who might be curious about the club and would like to get involved, young and old. We take great pride in introducing people to sailing and water-based activities, particularly in helping young people find life-long skills in the sailing course. I would strongly encourage everyone to engage with the programme of events that has been developed. As well as looking back, this anniversary is an opportunity to look forward to sustaining the Club into the next 80 year,” says Commodore Flynn.
In a strong speech at the launch of the celebration year, he said that one of the requirements to sustain the club “is to tackle, once and for all, the build-up of silt in the harbour. Left unaddressed, this issue will be to the detriment of activity on the water and the attractiveness of the Quay area in general, something the town prides itself on, for local communities, visitors and tourists alike. It is vital that Waterford City and County Council, together with relevant State agencies, execute a plan to deal with silt build-up in the harbour. The Club stands willing and able to provide skills and support to any such initiative.”
Listen to Commodore Austin Flynn of Dungarvan Sailing Club on the Podcast below.
