Kinsale has welcomed American visitors for the 26th running of its maritime festival, marking the 25th visit from its twinned town of Newport in the USA.
Despite poor weather and low cloud on the eve of the event (March 16th), a strong turnout gathered at the yacht club for the official welcome and fireworks.
Commodore Anthony O’Neill addressed guests in both Irish and English, reflecting on the origins of the twinning link.
Festival Welcome: Commodore Anthony O’Neill addresses US visitors at Kinsale Yacht Club, marking the 26th maritime festival and 25th Newport visit amid strong twinning ties Photo: Bob Bateman
He recalled a late-1990s fact-finding trip to Newport by members of the local twinning committee, including John Twomey, Michael Crawley and Tomas O’Brien.
“Little did we know at that time what was to come,” he said, citing “strong bonds of association” and “deep friendships” built over more than two decades.
O’Neill paid tribute to the volunteers behind the festival, noting a long tradition of community effort in promoting Kinsale.
“That spirit is still alive and well today,” he said, thanking organisers and committee members for making the annual event possible.
He also acknowledged participants on the water, whose displays create what he described as a “fantastic spectacle” across the harbour and surrounding hills.
“There is not a space to be had,” he said, pointing to crowds gathering from Charles Fort to Compass Hill.
The commodore highlighted the symbolic aspect of the event, referencing the maritime heritage of St Patrick’s story.
“Men and boats are a very important part of the story of St Patrick’s weekend,” he said.
Master of ceremonies for the evening was Tomas O’Brien.
