Regatta set to make a splash

ORGANISERS of this year’s Clarecastle Regatta are confident the event will make a real splash, as the annual event takes pride of place among a week of celebrations in the village.

The 2013 Regatta takes place on Saturday at the quayside starting at 2pm. This is the fourth regatta to take place since its revival in 2010 following an initiative by the local GAA club after a lapse of many years.

This year’s event is being held as part of celebrations to mark the Gathering Festival.

According to Donal Carey, chairman of the organising committee, “Last year’s regatta was a fantastic success and with the weather the way it is, we are hoping that even more people will come along and enjoy the day for our fourth annual event. This year’s regatta is part of a wider Gathering festival here in Clarecastle and there have been a host of fantastic activities all week.

“With The Gathering the emphasis for this year’s regatta has been very much on people travelling home. We are hoping that the people of Clarecastle, Clare, surrounding counties and those who have come home will have a great time at the festivities. .”

All proceeds from this year’s events will go to Sr Mary Barry’s Mission in Kenya and to the Clarecastle Development Committee. Entry to the quayside is free however, there will be a bucket collection for the nominated recipients.

The event kicks off with the fourth annual 10k road race/5k walk, beginning at 10.30am from the GAA clubhouse in Clarecastle. Registration from 9am with prizes for first, second and third, both men and women. The winner will also receive the Pat Power Perpetual Challenge Cup.The first 500 participants to register will receive a t-shirt. The regatta proper begins at 2pm in the quayside with the official opening and blessing of boats.

“We have a wide variety of events both on and off the water, curragh racing and kayak racing will be the two main features on the water and later on in the day we will be releasing 1,000 ducks for our duck race,” added Donal.

There are lots of attractions on dry land also. There will be children’s fancy dress, a dog show, bouncy castle, face painting, clay pigeon shoot, poc fada, horse and carriage rides. There will also be a host of various displays – with vintage cars, Imeco farm and raptors’ display.

“New attractions this year will be a tug-of-war competition and a sheaf-throwing competition,” he concluded.