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Displaying items by tag: Blessing of the Boats

Ger O’Neill’s Proud Mary was named “best-dressed boat” at the annual blessing of vessels in Galway Bay last weekend.

Kevin O’Brien’s Blue Shark took second place in the same event, which was marked by showers of rain.

Gleoitegs, púcáns and hookers form part of the Claddagh’s rich history, and the event was hosted the Cladonian Mariners’ Boat Club and local vessel owners.

Joe Shoer, owner of the Teegan, in the wheelhouse during the Blessing of Galway Bay from on boardJoe Shoer, owner of the Teegan, in the wheelhouse during the Blessing of Galway Bay from on board Photo: Joe O'Shaughnessy

The weather conditions prompted people on board the vessel Teegan, owned by Joe Shoer, to burst into their rendition of ‘Singin’ in the Rain’, made famous by Gene Kelly.

Fr Matthew Farrell OP, PP, St Mary’s, Claddagh, recites a decade of the rosary on board the Teegan as boats sail for the Blessing of Galway Bay last Sunday. Sailing alongside is the Blue Shark with owner Kevin O’Brien at the helm. The Blue Shark won second prize for the “Best Dressed Boat” at the event.Fr Matthew Farrell OP, PP, St Mary’s, Claddagh, recites a decade of the rosary on board the Teegan as boats sail for the Blessing of Galway Bay last Sunday. Sailing alongside is the Blue Shark with owner Kevin O’Brien at the helm. The Blue Shark won second prize for the “Best Dressed Boat” at the event Photo: Joe O'Shaughnessy

King of the Claddagh Michael Lynskey and his son Pat dropped down to meet people on vessels when they returned to the Claddagh.

The ceremony was presided over by Fr Matthew Farrell of St Mary’s, Claddagh.

A decade of the rosary is recited before the Blessing of the BayA decade of the rosary is recited before the Blessing of the Bay Photo: Joe O'Shaughnessy

Fr Farrell blessed the boats, the nets on board fishing vessels and the people crewing them. He recited a decade of the rosary on board the Teegan and sprinkled holy water in the direction of the fleet.

Fr Matthew Farrell OP, PP, St Mary’s, Claddagh, sprinkles holy water during the Blessing of Galway Bay.Fr Matthew Farrell OP, PP, St Mary’s, Claddagh, sprinkles holy water during the Blessing of Galway Bay Photo: Joe O'Shaughnessy

People on board the Teegan burst into song with ‘Singing in The Rain’ during a shower as the boat is moored at the Claddagh after the Blessing of Galway BayPeople on board the Teegan burst into song with ‘Singing in The Rain’ during a shower as the boat is moored at the Claddagh after the Blessing of Galway Bay Photo: Joe O'Shaughnessy

Deputy Mayor of Galway Cllr Mike Cubbard (Ind) travelled on board the Naomh Crónán with Peter Connolly of Bádóirí an Chladaigh at the helm.

Deputy Mayor of Galway, Cllr Mike Cubbard, on board the Naomh Crónán with Peter Connolly of Bádóirí an Chladaigh at the helm during the Blessing of Galway BayDeputy Mayor of Galway, Cllr Mike Cubbard, on board the Naomh Crónán with Peter Connolly of Bádóirí an Chladaigh at the helm during the Blessing of Galway Bay Photo: Joe O'Shaughnessy

Also there to mark the ritual was Cllr Niall MacNelis (Lab), along with Galway businessman and sailor Enda O Coineen.

Galway businessman and sailor Enda O’Coineen at the Blessing of Galway BayGalway businessman and sailor Enda O’Coineen at the Blessing of Galway Bay Photo: Joe O'Shaughnessy

After the blessing, Teresa Shoer sang 'Here’s a Toast to You Claddagh', and there was music, while fun was had by all.

Teresa Shoer sings 'Here’s a Toast to You Claddagh' after the Blessing of Galway BayTeresa Shoer sings 'Here’s a Toast to You Claddagh' after the Blessing of Galway Bay Photo: Joe O'Shaughnessy

Published in Galway Harbour
Tagged under

Dublin Port Company has hailed the recent Blessing of the Boats ceremony and flotilla from Poolbeg Yacht & Boat Club, which was officiated by Fr Ivan Tonge.

The annual blessing of the boats and fleet is a time-honoured tradition which dates back many centuries with some origins traced back to early Greek fisherman, the port company says.

Events in ports around the world can range from a simple ceremony to a multi-day festival including church services, parades, dancing, feasting and contests.

Poolbeg Yacht & Boat Club’s 2021 Blessing of the Boats flotilla at the mouth of the LiffeyThe flotilla at the mouth of the Liffey | Credit: Poolbeg Yacht & Boat Club

Published in Dublin Port
The annual Blessing of the Boats took place recently at Rush Sailing Club, the North County Leader reports.
Local priest Fr Kieran Coughlan conducted the ceremony, which took place away from the boats this year due to particularly blustery conditions on the day.
Fr Coughlan also led the large gathering in paying tribute to Skerries fishermen Ronan Browne and David Gilsenan, who lost their lives last month.
The North County Leader has more on the story HERE.

The annual Blessing of the Boats took place recently at Rush Sailing Club, the North County Leader reports.

Local priest Fr Kieran Coughlan conducted the ceremony, which took place away from the boats this year due to particularly blustery conditions on the day.

Fr Coughlan also led the large gathering in paying tribute to Skerries fishermen Ronan Browne and David Gilsenan, who lost their lives last month.

The North County Leader has more on the story HERE.

Published in Coastal Notes

boot Düsseldorf, the International Boat Show

With almost 250,000 visitors, boot Düsseldorf is the world's largest boat and water sports fair and every year in January the “meeting place" for the entire industry. Around 2,000 exhibitors present their interesting new products, attractive further developments and maritime equipment. This means that the complete market will be on site in Düsseldorf and will be inviting visitors on nine days of the fair to an exciting journey through the entire world of water sports in 17 exhibition halls covering 220,000 square meters. With a focus on boats and yachts, engines and engine technology, equipment and accessories, services, canoes, kayaks, kitesurfing, rowing, diving, surfing, wakeboarding, windsurfing, SUP, fishing, maritime art, marinas, water sports facilities as well as beach resorts and charter, there is something for every water sports enthusiast.

boot Düsseldorf FAQs

boot Düsseldorf is the world's largest boat and water sports fair. Seventeen exhibition halls covering 220,000 square meters. With a focus on boats and yachts, engines and engine technology.

The Fairground Düsseldorf. This massive Dusseldorf Exhibition Centre is strategically located between the River Rhine and the airport. It's about 20 minutes from the airport and 20 minutes from the city centre.

250,000 visitors, boot Düsseldorf is the world's largest boat and water sports fair.

The 2018 show was the golden jubilee of the show, so 2021 will be the 51st show.

Every year in January. In 2021 it will be 23-31 January.

Messe Düsseldorf GmbH Messeplatz 40474 Düsseldorf Tel: +49 211 4560-01 Fax: +49 211 4560-668

The Irish marine trade has witnessed increasing numbers of Irish attendees at boot over the last few years as the 17-Hall show becomes more and more dominant in the European market and direct flights from Dublin offer the possibility of day trips to the river Rhine venue.

Boats & Yachts Engines, Engine parts Yacht Equipment Watersports Services Canoes, Kayaks, Rowing Waterski, Wakeboard, Kneeboard & Skimboard Jetski + Equipment & Services Diving, Surfing, Windsurfing, Kite Surfing & SUP Angling Maritime Art & Crafts Marinas & Watersports Infrastructure Beach Resorts Organisations, Authorities & Clubs

Over 1000 boats are on display.

©Afloat 2020

boot Düsseldorf 2025 

The 2025 boot Düsseldorf will take place from 18 to 26 January 2025.

At A Glance – Boot Dusseldorf 

Organiser
Messe Düsseldorf GmbH
Messeplatz
40474 Düsseldorf
Tel: +49 211 4560-01
Fax: +49 211 4560-668

The first boats and yachts will once again be arriving in December via the Rhine.

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