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Displaying items by tag: Alistair Nichol

27th September 2010

John Kenny RIP

The sailing community is mourning the loss of Irish speed sailing record holder John Kenny (37) following a tragedy last Wednesday night at Hanover Quay in Dublin.

John's funeral took place this morning at St. Patrick's Church, Ringsend. Details HERE. A passionate and true sportsman he pioneered the sport of speed sailing in Ireland.

John is survived by his mother and father Rose and Sean, sister Charlene, Caroline and brother Tony, his partner Linda Balfe and children Conor, Orlagh and Brona.

John was named Irish Independent/Afloat.ie "Sailor of the Month" last January after pushing the bounds of waterborne wind-powered speed in Ireland in winter's big breezes.

Previously Afloat's Sailor of the Month in October 2008 when he set a new Irish record in Dungarvan, Co. Waterford.

He achieved a personal best of a burst of 45.3 knots (it's 84 kph) and averaged 42.52 for the 500 metres to take the Irish Speed sailing record.

On his blog windsurfer Alistair Nichol today said:

"I am still shocked that my good friend John Kenny passed away last week. The next time I turn up to go speed sailing and he will not be there giving me a kick up the arse cause i'm not sailing fast enough and not see him charging down the speed course usually setting the fastest runs of the day is going to be wierd. Whenever i sailed with him he was always pushing me to do better. He lived his life to the full, giving 100% in anything he did and the world will be a much smaller place without him in it and he will be missed by all who had the pleasure to know him. RIP...mate hope your getting 50 knot runs in up there"

southend

John 'JK' Kenny competing at speed in the UK. Photo: Paul O'Riain

 

Published in News Update

About Foyle Port

Foyle Port, located in the North West region of Northern Ireland, is estimated to handle around 2 million tonnes of cargo per year, with a trade value of approximately £1 billion. The port plays a crucial role in facilitating the import of essential agri-products, supporting around 20,000 farms in the region, as well as various local business sectors such as fuel/oil and construction industries. The organisation supports an estimated 1000 direct and indirect jobs.

Originally located in the bustling heart of Derry City, the Commissioners relocated the port to its current deep-water location at Lisahally in 1993. The terminal boasts an impressive 440 metres of quay and can accommodate large vessels of up to 62,000 DWT. Foyle Port is primarily a bulk port and a significant importer of essential commodities such as oil, coal, animal feed, fertiliser, and plywood, all of which are vital for the North West rural region.

Since 2003, the organisation has experienced significant growth, doubling both turnover and profit and attracting approximately £100 million of inward investment to the region. This investment has supported projects, including a fertiliser plant, an oil tank farm, and a biomass power station.

Established by Act of Parliament in 1854, the Londonderry Port & Harbour Commissioners is an independent statutory authority with a duty to develop, maintain and operate to the highest standards of efficiency, financial prudence, environmental awareness, safety, and security. The Port is independent of the Government and is self-financing. All financial surpluses are reinvested in the business for the benefit of future generations of stakeholders.