In addition to awarding medals for the season long Travellers' Trophy, the occasion sees the Class award its own prizes to recognize excellence and contribution to the class.
An attendance of approximately 50 people was bolstered when some of the past members of the class joined us. Martin and Matt Treadwell had an extended period of success in the Irish Fireball fleet but terminated their participation in the fleet around 2002. Frank Cassidy, with wife Gemma doesn't get to sail his Fireball regularly these days, as sailing other boats gets in the way, but both were there. Another past Fireballer, whose nickname is Shergar – suggesting he was fast on the water – added to the numbers of ex-Fireballers who joined the current fleet for the celebration.
The prizes were awarded after dinner;
Travellers' Trophy
Silver Fleet.
3rd: Cariosa Power & Marie Barry, DMYC, IRL 14854.
2nd: Ben Malone & Matthew Bennion, Skerries Sailing Club, IRL 14939.
1st: Mary Chambers & Brenda McGuire, DMYC, IRL 14865.
Gold Fleet
3rd: Kenny Rumball & Seamus Moore, Irish National Sailing School, IRL 15058.
2nd: Barry McCartin & Conor Kinsella, Cushendall SBC & UCDSC, IRL 14820.
1st: Noel Butler & Stephen Oram, National Yacht Club, IRL 15061.
Class Awards
Ladies Helm.
1st placed Lady Helm in Travellers' Trophy.
Diane Kissane, Howth Yacht Club, IRL 14939, 11th Overall.
Asterix Trophy
(For a significant/outstanding contribution to the Class.)
Louis Smyth:- for his contribution to the Sligo Worlds, including; liaison with Fireball International, the Irish Class Association and Sligo Yacht Club, collecting, hosting and transporting visitors to Ireland for the planning and regatta phases of the event and collecting boats from the UK for international competitors.
India Trophy
(Most Improved)
Barry McCartin & Conor Kinsella, IRL 14820:- For finishing 2nd overall in the season-long Travellers' Trophy.
Captain's Prize.
(Awarded at the discretion of the Dun Laoghaire Class Captain.)
This year's award was made by Owen Laverty who has just stood down as DL Class Captain.
Cormac Bradley:- Owen made the award in recognition of Cormac's contribution to the Irish Fireball Class, highlighting his efforts to organize events over the years, his reporting of Fireball events and the manner in which he carried out these activities – without complaint!
The Liam Bradley Trophy
(This is a new trophy, donated by Immediate Past Chairman, Cormac Bradley, in honour of his late father.)
Barry McCartin & Conor Kinsella:- Awarded in recognition of the fact that they are a new combination in Fireballs who have enjoyed spectacular success in a very short period (finishing 2nd overall in the Travellers' Trophy). Cormac alluded to the fact that they sailed four of the five regattas, sailed consistently (finished in the top 3 in the four events), in an accomplished manner without protests and in a style that made it entertaining and challenging to race against them. Cormac emphasized the need to recognize new talent coming into the fleet as this would be the future life-blood of the class.
Noel Butler & Stephen Oram - Travellers' Trophy winners
Conor Kinsella receives The Liam Bradley Trophy on behalf of himself and Barry McCartin
Neil Colin (Class Chairman) presents the Lady Helm Trophy to Diane Kissane
Photos by Patrick Kiersey
