THE Clarecastle Regatta returns this June with organisers saying there is “great excitement” building as the village prepares for the popular event.
The regatta takes place on Sunday, June 2, from 2pm to 6pm with committee chairperson Donal Carey telling us, “It is a real family day out”.
“The regatta promises to be a day of fun with a wide range of events to thrill all members of the family,” he said.
“Returning firm favourites include children’s fancy dress parade from the Church Grounds meeting at 1.45pm, dog show, bonny baby, children’s races, long puck across the water and best dressed lady competitions as well as a wide range of market stalls, vintage cars, live music and food.”
Other events include the Hanging Tough Challenge, Soccer Dart, amusements, farm animals and zorbing. There will be hurling shootouts, a baking competition with the best tart being judged. The water events will include boat rides, kayaking, stand-up paddle boards and the highly anticipated homemade raft race.
The regatta was revived over fifteen years ago and have been a resounding success offering the community of Clarecastle and surrounding areas the opportunity to meet and chat, up on the Quay he outlined.
“There is great excitement especially since the event came back after Covid and once the flags go up on the river bank the enthusiasm starts to build in the community,” he said.
“The flags are a mighty tradition that the Scanlon family have started in conjunction with the regatta, led by Johnny and Ann, son Bernard, daughter Jane and Liz Murphy and we thank them for helping us get the place ready.”
He also paid tribute to John Power, the local Tidy Towns group and all the lads who meet every evening down the quay who have helped in the tidying of the area and making the quayside as inviting as it is.
“It is a marvellous amenity and Regatta Day is when we get to show it off to its full potential,” he said
The day’s celebrations kick off with the children’s fancy dress parade.
“This was once one of the main features of the Regatta’s of old with some of our committee members having taken part themselves as children,” he said.
“There is always great chat when the local Wildlife & Heritage group post pictures on social media from the Regatta’s in ‘50s and ‘60s of the children marching in parades and we hope that the children of today can look back and have as good a memory from next Saturday’s event.” 
He adds there has been “mighty work” put into the village market by Jade Nseula, with an array of food and craft stalls, many of whom return year on year.  Local crafts showcasing some wonderful skills as well as a wide choice of baked goods, plants and some hot food.
Paddy Quinn has organised the music for the day with Donal saying, “All the live music adds a great atmosphere to the day. This year’s lineup includes Rewind, 16 Tons of Jive and Acoustic +. We are hoping for great entertainment from these crowd pleasing favourites.”
Dermot Moloney’s vintage cars display will have their usual line up of vintage cars.
“This year we might even have a new electric model close by to compare the evolution of cars throughout the ages,” said Mr Carey.
“Paschal Russell designed the targets; whether that is a good or bad thing we won’t now until Saturday.  We’ll have the long puck across the river too, a firm favourite of the day.” 
He concluded, “The Regatta is a day for people across Clarecastle, Ballyea, Quin, Newmarket On Fergus, Barefield, Ennis and the county to enjoy with a little of something for everyone! On behalf of our hardworking Regatta Committee, we are looking forward to meeting everyone next Sunday, June 2.”