The Blue Shark, a boat owned by Kevin O’Brien from Galway’s Claddagh, won the “best dressed boat” at this year’s “Blessing of the Bay” in Galway city.
The annual blessing in the Claddagh on the river Corrib estuary extends to the boats, the nets on board fishing vessels and the people crewing them.
Lady Pixia, owned Mike Heenan, runner up for the Best Dressed Boat taking part in the Blessing of the Bay last Sunday Photo: Joe O'Shaughnessy
O’Brien’s handsomely decked vessel won the award for the second year in a row.
Chief celebrant was Fr Matthew Farrell O.P. of St Mary’s, the parish church for the Claddagh.
Fr Matthew Farrell OP Blessing the Bay Photo: Joe O'Shaughnessy
He was transported out on the Teegan, owned by Joe and Teresa Shoer, regular supporters of the festival.
The event is organised by the Cladonian Mariners’ Boat Club and local vessel owners in the Claddagh, along with local musician Willie Hornibrook who helped to set the tone.
Pictured after the presentation to Kevin O'Brien, owner of Blue Shark which was chosen as the Best Dressed Boat at last Sunday's Blessing of the Bay were, from left: Frank O'Connor, Teresa Shoer, committee, Esther O'Brien, Fr Matthew Farrell OP, Prior, Fr Donal Sweeney, former Prior, Kevin O'Brien, winning owner, with his wife Elaine and their son Dylan, Elaine's nephew Kyle Small and her father Tommy Rickard, Paraic Joyce, Nicola Grealish and , Best Dressed Boat runner up Photo: Joe O'Shaughnessy
Nimmo the seal follows the boats back to the Claddagh after the Blessing of Galway Bay Photo: Joe O'Shaughnessy
Blessing of the Bay 2024 Photo Gallery by Joe O'Shaughnessy