West Cork's Galleyflash Rowing Club celebrated their 40th anniversary with a book launch and gala dinner in Dunmore House Hotel, Clonakilty, on Friday, December 5th, with over 125 people in attendance at the coastal rowing function.
The book 'Making Music on the Water' was researched, compiled and edited by mother, father and daughter trio Margaret Hayes (Club Registrar and Safeguarding Officer), Donal Hayes (Club Chairman, Webmaster and DLP) and Sandra Hayes Buckley (Club PRO). Launched on the night by 3-time Olympian, 2-time World and European Champion and Ireland's highest achieving female rower, Sanita Puspure, the book is a collection of memories from the club's 40-year history. Featuring over 55 stories, 303 photos and many memories, the book was very well received on the night.
Niamh Hayes, Clonakilty; Ciara Rahilly, Kilkern; and Sanita and Kasper Puspure, Ballincollig. Photo: Andy Gibson
Club PRO and co-editor of the book, Sandra Hayes Buckley, who was also MC on the night, noted that the idea for the book came from her mother, Margaret, who herself has kept meticulous records of club events through her scrapbooks, photo albums and memorabilia.
Sanita Puspure, in her address to the crowd at the launch, mentioned how she had been at some training sessions in Kilkern Lake earlier this year helping out with the club's Women's Quad crew who travelled to Türkiye for the European Coastal Rowing Championships, and how she felt the club atmosphere so welcoming and respectful.
Galleyflash Rowing Club's launch of a book, 'Making Music on the Water'. The book was written by club members Donal & Margaret Hayes and Sandra Hayes Buckley. Well over 100 people attended the event, with many purchasing the Anniversary book. Photo: Andy Gibson
Following the launch, those in attendance were treated to a delicious meal before formalities recommenced to mark the club's 40th anniversary.
Club Chairman Donal Hayes welcomed all those in attendance and noted that it was fantastic to see such a mix of original members from 1985 and some of the club's younger members from 2025 in attendance.
Galleyflash Rowing Club Marks 40 Years with Book Launch Photo Gallery by Andy Gibson
One of the club's U12 rowers, Amy Harrington, spoke about her late grandfather, Pat Joe Harrington, who was the club's President and one of its founding members, who passed away in May of this year. Following Amy's speech, a presentation was made to the Harrington family in memory of Pat Joe.
Underage coach John Harrington spoke of the importance of the club's family values and mentioned the journey Donal and Margaret Hayes had undertaken to get the book to the launch on time.
Club Vice President and founding member Mike Feen spoke directly to the club's underage rowers and highlighted the importance of sticking with the sport, commenting that he won his first All Ireland medal at 49.
A presentation was then made to Mike on behalf of the club in recognition of 40 years of dedication and service to the club.
The Mary Kate O'Driscoll Memorial Plaque for Club Team of the Year was presented to South West and Irish Coastal Rowing Champions, the U12 Ladies crew of Amy Harrington, Síofra Gormley, Lucy Gallagher, Indi Lewis and cox Rachel Collins.
A special rendition of the club's anthem 'The Boys of the GalleyFlash' was then performed by a group of club members who came together under the direction of club rower and cox Julie Harrington.
