Cumann Huicéirí na Gaillimhe celebrated a highly successful sailing season at its annual prizegiving ceremony.
The festive event with food and music by John Beag was managed by Donal Green and committee, as chairman Cathal "Cookie" Griffin was absent due to work commitments that had him sailing through Cape Town.
Coveted league titles were awarded across various categories, as follows:
- Bád Mhóra: An Tonaí (Built 1892, Black Weir, by Patrick Brannelly; owned by Máirtín O' Briain)
- Leath Bháid: An Norah (Built 1999, Carraroe, by Pat Folan and Michael Mc Donagh; owned by Séan Mc Donncha).
- Gleoiteoga Móra: St Katherine (Built 2008, Lettermullan, by Martin Mullins; owned by Pádraig Barrett)
- Gleoiteoga Beaga A: Ceol na Mara (Built 1986, Cuileán, An Cheathrú Rua, by Cóilín Mháirtín Chóilín Mac Donnacha; owned by Aodán Mac Donnacha)
- Gleoiteoga Beaga B: Bad Fr Carter" (Owned by Micheal Cloherty)
The ceremony also recognised outstanding individual achievements:
- Sailor of the Year: Cian Mac Donnacha, helmsman of Ceol na Mara
- Female Sailor of the Year: Bridget McTavish, crew member of Club Mara
- Young Sailor of the Year: Stiofán Staff Mac Dhonnchadha, who sails the family boat An Naomh Stiofán, one of the newest Galway hookers recently crafted by his father, Michael Staff.
Female Sailor of the Yearm Bridget McTavish, a crew member of Club Mara, at the Cumann Huicéirí na Gaillimhe annual prizegiving ceremony Photo: Máire Ní Éinniú/Cumann Huceirí
Young sailor of the year, Stiofán Staff Mac Dhonnchadha at the Cumann Huicéirí na Gaillimhe annual prizegiving ceremony Photo: Máire Ní Éinniú/Cumann Huceirí
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to Paraic Choilin O Cualáin.
Accompanied by proud family members, including his grandchildren, Páraic was honoured for his decades-long commitment to Cumann Huicéirí na Gaillimhe and the art of traditional sailing.
Páraic's dedication dates back to the 1980s when he famously stripped his sailboat's outboard engine and restored it to its original sailing glory. His passion for preserving traditional sailing methods has been matched only by his enthusiasm for passing on his knowledge.
Over the years, Páraic has played a crucial role in teaching and encouraging his family and youth in the area, ensuring that the rich maritime heritage of Galway continues to thrive with each new generation.
an Norah owner, Séan Mc Donncha at the Cumann Huicéirí na Gaillimhe annual prizegiving ceremony Photo: Máire Ní Éinniú/Cumann Huceirí
St.Katherine's Ciaran Barrett at the Cumann Huicéirí na Gaillimhe annual prizegiving ceremony Photo: Máire Ní Éinniú/Cumann Huceirí
Ceol na Mara, Aodan Mac Donnacha at the Cumann Huicéirí na Gaillimhe annual prizegiving ceremony Photo: Máire Ní Éinniú/Cumann Huceirí
Micheal Ó Cloherty, Bád Fr. Carter at the Cumann Huicéirí na Gaillimhe annual prizegiving ceremony Photo: Máire Ní Éinniú/Cumann Huceirí
Rónán Ó Brien, an Tonaí at the Cumann Huicéirí na Gaillimhe annual prizegiving ceremony Photo: Máire Ní Éinniú/Cumann Huceirí
The ceremony highlighted the vibrant community surrounding traditional Galway sailing, along with the sport's ability to bring together multiple generations and preserve a rich maritime heritage.
As the season closes, the club says it looks forward to another year of fostering camaraderie, skill, and a love for the sea among its members, inspired by the lifelong commitment exemplified by past and present sailors like Paraic Choilin O Cualáin.
