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Regatta fever spreads through Clarecastle

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FOLLOWING the rowing success of last year’s Clarecastle Regatta, the event will return once again this July. Organisers are promising an event to remember, with activities to entertain both the young, and young at heart.
Performing the official launch will be Sean McGowan, who single handedly rowed across the Atlantic Ocean last year. Sean’s grandmother was originally from Clarecastle and he has strong ties to the area. He said he is delighted to have been asked to launch the regatta adding, “Clarecastle is a lovely place with lovely people and I am really looking forward to the regatta.”
This year’s regatta will take place on Saturday, July 9 on the River Fergus and its banks. The regatta was a popular annual summer event in years gone by and last year, it was revitalised.
According to Donal Carey, chairman of the organising committee, “The Clarecastle Regatta was staged last year for the first time in over 20 years and a very successful and enjoyable day was had by all despite the very inclement weather at the start of the day.”
“The regatta came about as a result of Clarecastle GAA Club wanting to bring back some of the old traditions in ‘the village’ and by coincidence a Kerry native, Sile Ní Dheargain, now the Kerry Rose, was looking to set up a Currach Rowing Club in Clarecastle and the two groups came together and re-established the regatta. The harbour in Clarecastle is a very unique and beautiful setting very much under utilised by the people of Clarecastle and Ennis environs in general and the regatta is a means by which to highlight the amenity to all.”
Historically, Clarecastle Harbour was the central trading point along the Fergus and used on a daily basis for goods coming in and going out of County Clare.  “Most recently, fishermen used the quay to moor their boats but restrictions on salmon fishing have limited their use. It is heart warming to see traditional ‘gannows’ and currachs share the same stretch of water and possibly give purpose to the harbour again,” said Donal.
Like last year, it is intended to have a 10km road race to kick off the Regatta. The Pat Power Perpetual Trophy will be given to the winner in honour of the late Pat Power, whose family run Power’s Butchers. The race starts at 10.30am in Clarecastle GAA Field, along with a five-kilometre walk.
“Last year’s race was jointly won by local man from Claremount, Brian Murphy, and Kilnaboy native, Michael Shannon, in a time of 31.31. We’re hoping for another fantastic turnout and another epic battle to the finish line,” Donal said.
The currach boat race will start at 1.30pm at the quay with Donal saying, “The Fergus (Ennis/Clarecastle) Rowing Club is going from strength to strength and has even featured on RTÉ twice this year already and they are hoping for another very enthused turnout again this year. Síle, Jill and Monza from Dingle won the women’s race and the Doonbeg crew won the men’s race and the local much prized man/woman race was won by Frank Casey, Patricia Frawley, Fiona Trahe. An exciting day’s racing can be looked forward to with competitors travelling from Kilkee, Doonbeg, Coonagh County Limerick and many other places and a unique opportunity for the people of Clarecastle, Ennis and surrounds to experience very spirited Currach racing. A perpetual trophy in honour of the late Thomas Bradley from Claremount will be presented to the winner of Best Dog in Show at the regatta dog show, which welcomes all kinds of dogs.
“We expect a fantastic turnout of canines of all kinds shapes and sizes, with categories from top breeds to terriers to children’s classes,” said Donal.
Other activities include a clay pigeon shoot, bouncy castles, duck race, glamorous gran competition, bucking bronco, apple tart competition and much more. There will also be craft stands and a country market.
There are also plans to host a singing competition on the quayside. “We are hoping to get lots of people to enter this to help make the regatta a thoroughly enjoyable day. We want young, old, those that sing in the shower to those that can sing,” he concluded.

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