IWN Autumn 2016 Vol 43 No 3

inland waterways news inland waterways news IWN IWN Volume 43, number 3 AuTumn 2016 Summer 2009 Volume 36 , number 6 THE EARLY DAYS RALLY ROUND UP HENRIK IBSEN



PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE As I write this piece in early August I am watching nature battling with itself as high winds CONTENTS and steady drizzle test the endurance and root systems of the surrounding trees. I hope as you read this in early September that the weather has improved in the interim period and not 2 NAVIGATION NOTICES waited as usual until our 3 NEWS younger members go back to school. 6 HEAD OFFICE REPORT I had the pleasure of meeting many members at some of 7 BOOK REVIEW: MID SHANNON the IWAI events and rallies over the past few months, all 8 LOUGH DERG RALLY 41 well organised, with new members participating and in many cases generations of the same family together. All of 10 56TH SHANNON BOAT RALLY the events demonstrated the comradeship and spirit of IWAI 12 THE EARLY DAYS and well done to the organisers for their time and commitment and also their promotion of the protection of 14 CSIG our waterways environment. 16 COLLAPSED CULVERTS At the Shannon Boat Rally I had the pleasure of meeting the 17 NOT EVERYONE CAN BE SAVED Mayor of Athlone, John Dolan, yes we share the same name! John advised me that Athlone Municipal District and 18 TOWPATH TIM Westmeath County Council are delighted and looking 20 HENRIK IBSEN forward to the World Canal Conference coming to Athlone in 2018. Work continues on this exciting collaboration 22 ATHY BOAT TOURS project between Waterways Ireland and other partners including the IWAI. 23 GOING WITH THE FLOW 24 FOLLOWING SCOTT-JAMES During the Derg Rally I was introduced by Colin to Sean Glennon in Mountshannon. Sean was at the first IWAI 25 RCAG meeting in the Constitution Room in the Shelbourne Hotel in 1954 when the IWAI was formed. He reported on the 26 BRANCH REPORTS meeting for the Westmeath Independent and served as 26 Lough Erne National Secretary from 1967 to 1971. It was fascinating 27 Boyne listening to Sean recount those days. Sean has contributed 28 Belturbet to this edition of IWN to share his memories. 29 Boyle River 30 Lough Derg Work continues by Waterways Ireland on the flood damaged 31 Offaly section of the Shannon Navigation at Limerick and the 32 Lagan Barrow Navigation between locks 22 and 23, the latter due 33 Barrow to a culvert collapse. Resourcing Waterways Ireland to deal 34 Newry with these unscheduled closures is important, as is providing 35 Powerboat the additional funds required for preventative maintenance 36 Slaney programme on the other 200 plus culverts on the canal 37 Dublin system and the limited dry dock facilities on the waterways. 38 Corrib IWAI will support Waterways Ireland in seeking this 39 RBNLA additional funding from central government. 40 Kildare 41 Carrick-on-Shannon The work of Executive and sub committees continues, 42 Athlone including the Canal Byelaws, Dunrovin, and CFRAMS. The 43 Shannon Harbour IWAI was recently invited by the Department of Transport, 44 Cruising Club Tourism and Sport, to participate in the review of the Code of Practice for the Safe Operation of Recreational Craft. The Code of Practice was first published in 2005 and revised in Next Issue: WINTER 2016 2008. The Code provides guidance on best practice for the safe operation of a variety of craft for coastal as well as Publication Date: 5 December 2016 inland use. INLAND WATERWAYS NEWS As we move into autumn and winter I wish you continued enjoyment of our inland waterways be that on foot, bike or Magazine of the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland afloat. Make sure to watch out for the many training events, Opinions expressed in the Inland Waterways News are not necessarily talks and work parties organised by your branches that those of the IWAI enable us to improve our boating knowledge and skills and to protect and restore our waterways. Editor: Colin Becker. E-Mail: [email protected]. Post: 2 Kylemore Park, Taylor’s Hill, Galway I will leave you to enjoy reading your IWN, thanks to Colin and all contributors and please support our shop and Sub-Editor: Nicki Griffin advertisers. Cover photo: Nationwide, filming on Boyne, by Seamus Costello Layout & Printing: I-Supply, Galway John Dolan, President, IWAI Issue 43, Number 3. ISSN 1649-1696 Inland Waterways News Autumn 2016 1

NEWS Navigation normal working hours until further Editor’s Corner notice. Normal hours are: Notices 16 March to 31 May: 9:30am - 6pm I realized that whatever I did 1 June to 26 Sept: 9:30am - 7pm 27 Sept. to 31 Oc.: 9:30am - 5pm would take a little time, and so I WATERWAyS IRElAND 1 Nov. to 15 March: 9:30am - 2pm decided to swallow my pride and If passage is required outside the above call PAN-PAN. The coastguard ALL NAVIGATIONS hours, contact the lock keeper at 087 responded immediately, got MN#20 of 31/5/16 2456531 during normal working hours Swimming near navigation to ascertain if passage can be details of my location and infrastructure facilitated. advised that the lifeboat would WI has reminded the public of the launch shortly. I was just danger of swimming and diving in LOWER BANN NAVIGATION considering whether to drop the and around navigation infrastructure hook to try and slow the drift such as bridges, locks, weirs, MN#94 of 26/7/16 (I’ve no idea what the holding is harbours, jetties, pontoons etc Carnroe Lock because of the danger of being Lock is now open for navigation like there) and then launch the struck by a manoeuvring vessel. inflatable and try to steer the Swimming at such locations is ROYAL CANAL It seems like everyone has heard boat to safe water when Polecat prohibited. MN#73 of 17/6/16 arrived on the scene, put a line Passage Locks 12 to 17 it by now and even before the on and was able to keep us out MN#68 of 9/6/16 With effect from 18 June 2016, water day was out, I was getting of harm’s way until the cavalry Overhead Powerlines control and boat assistance where phone calls from Clare Island and Attention is drawn to the dangers possible from Locks 12 to 17 will be texts from Dublin wanting to arrived about 30 minutes later. associated with overhead powerlines, extended as shown below: know what the story was. So The lifeboat crew were fantastic. especially for sailing vessels and Des Phillips: Mon-Fri 0830-1700 & Sun here’s the facts. We were Completely calm, they assessed vessels large airdraft. If the vessel or 0830-1230*. Tel:087 248 5754 the situation and opted to tow its equipment comes in contact with PJ Massey: Sat 0830-1230: heading up Lough Ree on a fine us to Portrunny. I don’t know an OHPL, do NOT attempt to move Tel: 087 985 7019 summers day in mid-July when I how often Lough Ree Lifeboat the equipment or a person if either is Weekend Water Patroller (David noticed the engine water still in contact with, or close to, the Whelehan or JJ Brennan): Sat & Sun temperature was a bit above would be called on to tow a OHPL. The conductor may still be 1500-1900. Tel: 086 821 2398 normal. On investigation I boat the size of Chang Sha (63ft alive or re-energise automatically. *Some weekends this time will be discovered that instead of long and weighing well over 60 Maintain a 5m clearance, if possible, 0830-1700 instead of Weekend Water tons) but it certainly looked like and prevent third parties from Patroller pumping water round the they had done it a hundred approaching. Contact the Emergency Passage may not be possible through engine, the circulating pump was times. Chang Sha has since been Services for assistance. ESB Networks: Locks 16 & 17 outside of these hours. busily spraying it all over the +(353)1850 372 999 and Northern Contact numbers above to arrange engine room. I realized fairly repaired and has somewhat Ireland Electricity Networks is +(44) passage. Further queries call +353(1) quickly that the problem was belatedly joined up with the rest 0800 616 817. Fishermen are also 868 0148. beyond my ability to repair at of the HBA fleet for the summer reminded that a minimum ground CiC. My sincere thanks to Len distance of 30 metres should be SHANNON NAVIGATION that point and that if I didn’t and June on Polecat and to the maintained from overhead power MN#47 of 25/5/16 shut down the engine, terminal crew of Lough Ree Lifeboat for lines when using rod and line. Coosan Point damage could result. So there A Triathlon Swim Training Course is we were drifting without power, helping us out in our hour of GRAND CANAL presently laid out at Coosan Point, with no other vessels in the need. MN#98 of 3/8/16 Athlone for the summer period. immediate vicinity with the Colin Becker Editor Culvert Collapse southerly breeze blowing us Due to a culvert collapse between MN#63 of 2/6/16 slowly but surely towards Locks 22 (Glenaree Bridge) and 23 Portumna Castle Harbour (Spencer Bridge) the Grand Canal Harbour has re-opened for vessel Millstone Point. Barrow Line is closed to navigation mooring but car parking area remains a until further notice due to the work-site. SHANNON LOCK & BRIDGE TIMES extensive repairs required. MN#63 of 7/6/16 Lough Derg, Benjamin Rocks MN#74 of 20/6/16 LOCKS & BRIDGES A temporary red mark has been placed Dublin City Passage at this location Masters are reminded that arrangements for boat movements in MN#106 of 10/8/16 Period Weekdays Sundays / out of Dublin City, are as set out in Limerick Navigation Mar 14 - Apr 3 09.00-18.30 10.30-16.00 MN#07/16 (see website). Passage The Limerick Navigation has re-opened. must be organised at least 2 days in Due to siltation the approach to the Apr 4 - Sept 25 09.00-20.30 09.00-18.00 advance. Due to periodic anti-social lock has been marked with buoys. Sept 26 - Nov 1 09.00-19.30 10.00-16.00 activity along some of canal route Vessels should approach in single file Nov 2 - Mar 13 09.00-12.30 10.00-12.30 into Dublin, particularly in times of and not berth at the lead-in jetty. good weather and at weekends, Revised lock times (subject to change) Lunch break 13.00-14.00 additional restrictions may apply to are: boat passage over the summer Thurs 11 Aug: 1pm. to 4pm period. Sat 13 Aug: 11am to 2pm PORTUMNA BRIDGE Thurs 18 Aug: 9am to 12pm MN#72 of 17/6/16 Sat 20 Aug: 10am to1pm Sea Lock Period Weekdays Sundays Thurs 25 Aug: 9am to 12pm The Sea Lock at Grand Canal Dock Sat 27 Aug: 10am to 1pm Mar 14 - Apr 3 09.45 11.00 12.30 11.00 12.30 has been returned to operation in a Thurs 1 Sept: 9am to 12pm limited capacity. Upgrade works are 14.30 16.30 17.30 14.30 16.00 Sat 3 Sept: 10am to 1pm planned for the future. Contact Dock Thurs 8 Sept: 12pm to 3pm Superintendent to arrange passage. April 4 - Sept 25 09.45, 11.00, 12.30 11.00, 12.30 Sat 10 Sept: 2pm to 5pm MN#59 of 31/5/16 The lock keeper can be contacted at 15.00, 17.30, 19.30 15.00, 17.30 Ticknevin Lock 087-7972998 only during the hours of Sept 26 – Nov 1 09.45, 11.00, 12.30 11.00, 12.30 20th Lock at Ticknevin will be closed operation as shown above when he will to navigation outside lock-keepers be in attendance to operate the lock. 15.00, 17.00, 18.30 14.30, 16.00 Nov 2 – Mar 13 09.45, 11.00, 12.30 11.00, 12.00 2 Autumn 2016 Inland Waterways News

NEWS WI HERITAGE PlAN lAUNCH management of our waterways. I welcome the opportunity to work proactively with other bodies to deliver on projects of shared purpose and to empower and support local communities in the protection and promotion of WI staff travelled south the waterways heritage.’ with the HBA fleet after the plan launch Members of the public, community groups and State this coordinated approach the Agencies gave generously of waterways will remain strong, their time in Heritage Plan vibrant places to live, each with Working Groups to develop the its own local distinctiveness, strategy and it is hoped to offering a space for the public to l-r: Cliff Jeffers (HBA Chair), Cormac McCarthy (WI), Dawn deliver the Plan in partnership stand and appreciate 'living Livingstone (CEO, WI), Paul Martin (HBA) at the launch of with them. Implementation of heritage' in all its forms. the WI Heritage Plan in Drumshanbo. this plan will require involvement Katrina McGirr, WI from across all sectors; Chief Executive Dawn The heritage of the waterways governmental, NGOs, businesses Photos: Colin Becker Livingstone has launched encompasses the natural and local communities. In taking Waterways Ireland's Heritage heritage of the landscape Plan in the presence of the through which they run as well Heritage Barges in Drumshanbo, as the industrial heritage of the Co Leitrim. navigations as places of commerce and industry. The Developed in consultation with a archaeology, place-names, local wide range of stakeholders the and oral history of the plan encompasses the cultural, waterways all forms aspects of built and natural heritage of the this Plan which are to be inland waterway corridors and implemented over the next five aims to ‘identify and protect the years. unique waterways heritage and promote its sustainable use for In launching the Plan, Chief the enjoyment of this and future Executive Dawn Livingstone said generations.’ It is focused on ‘The Waterways Ireland Heritage connecting people, communities plan represents the first strategic As part of the HBA visit to Lough Allen and to coincide and the wider population with framework for the integration of with the launch of the WI Heritage Plan, 4B took a token their local waterway and built, natural and cultural load of Arigna coal on the trip south. fostering a sense of place. heritage into the future WATERWAyS IRElAND AWARDED £1.4M FROM NI EXECUTIVE Waterways Ireland has been Works on Lough Erne include for Infrastructure (DfI) which will £1.4m awarded will make a awarded a significant £1.4m the replacement of public assist Waterways Ireland with significant difference to our from the latest capital moorings at Bunn Bridge, Belleek their capital investment plans.’ ability to maintain and develop monitoring round by the village, Derryvore, Tirraroe, Henry tourism & recreational Northern Ireland Executive. The Street & Killyhevlin as well as Minsiter Ó Muilleoir also opportunities for communities award was announced by the Kesh dredging works. The work indicated that: ‘I place great and business. Although we are a Minister for Finance, Máirtín Ó will provide a strong foundation importance on the regeneration cross-border body, all capital Muilleoir, following his visit to for the development of the Erne of border regions. Cross-border funding received from the NI Waterways Ireland headquarters Blueway linking to the recently co-operation puts those Executive will be spent in in Enniskillen. Waterways Ireland completed Shannon-Erne communities at the heart of an Northern Ireland.’ will use the capital allocation to Blueway. all-island economy and that’s improve the infrastructure in why I’m proud to be the first Waterways Ireland manages order to support and grow Minister Ó Muilleoir said: ‘I minister since 2010 to make a 1000km of navigable waterways boating & recreation on the Erne recently visited the headquarters capital allocation to a cross- for recreational purposes. The and Lower Bann estimated at of Waterways Ireland and saw border body in a monitoring Lower Bann and the Erne System the transformational work they €29m per annum, and provide round.’ are home to over 7000 boats for Blueway development. are involved in to make the representing more than 25% of Lough Erne waterway a beacon Waterways Ireland Acting boats on the navigations as a The planned works on the Lower for tourism. Their ambitious Director of Technical Services whole. Bann include the repair or plans will help create Stephen Forrest said: ‘This is replacement of facilities and outstanding Blueways in Ireland, excellent news for Waterways Katrina McGirr structures including the mooring helping to boost tourism and Ireland, for tourism business and at Castleroe, Toome wall repair, create jobs and I am allocating people who enjoy the Lower Portna lock chamber repair and £1.4million to the Department Bann and Lough Erne. The lockgate replacement. Inland Waterways News Autumn 2016 3



IWAI AT WORK RECREATIONAl CRAFT CODE OF PRACTICE REVIEW Following an IWAI In its response to the Department’s basic level of training. Suggestions submission to the invitation, the IWAI has made a to this end include: Department of number of suggestions and • Make the print copy of the Code Transport, Tourism observations with a view to bringing a free publication. and Sport on the the Code up to date: Merchant Shipping Navigation markers: corrections & • Make a PDF version of the Code Bill 2013, the IWAI updates for the Shannon Navigation available on line. was recently invited and the Erne system and a request • Encourage all boating by the Department to to reference the marking system on organisations to stock the Code participate in the the Corrib Navigation. and circulate to their members. review of the Code of Practice for the Safe Communications: dedicated • Encourage Boat Hire Companies Operation of section to include Radios, safety to place a copy on board as part Recreational Craft. cards & procedures & modern of the standard paperwork. lighting options. The Code of Practice • Seasonal national media was first published in Pyrotechnics: suggestions for the campaign on TV, Radio and print 2005 and revised in carrying of additional flares and to encourage safe boating and 2008. The Code better information on the correct advising of the Code and how it provides guidance on disposal of outdated pyrotechnics. can be accessed. best practice for the Layout: relocate detailed • Consider the potential for social safe operation of a information on legislation from media and short videos to variety of craft for Section A to an Appendix. promote safe boating coastal as well as inland use. IWAI believes the greatest challenge Alan Kelly to the Department is the circulation The Department has of the Code and penetration to the initiated the review to wide and varied boating community take into account and the need to encourage current legislative and other and new boaters to engage in a developments. CANAl ACTION ENDEAVOUR AWARD GROUP UPDATE Following a meeting last April Heritage Bill. Minister Humphreys between representatives of the replied stating that she does not IWAI Executive and Waterways have any plans to produce a stand- Ireland, IWAI received a document alone Bill but that she would be from Waterways Ireland in mid May happy to hear Deputy Lawless’ view outlining its review of the canal on the Bill when it reaches permit system. IWAI has circulated Committee Stage in the Dáil. The this document to Branches and is in Heritage Bill has yet to be the process of collating feedback reintroduced to the Seanad and will and hopes to engage with then progress to the Dáil. Waterways Ireland further in due IWAI is delighted with the course. announcement that the At the associations AGM in April it Cross party political support Centreparcs Longford Forest was announced that Noel Griffin many for the first time transit continues for the IWAI call for a development near Ballymahon Co had been awarded the Endeavour Ardnacrusha, cruise through dedicated Canals Bill. Recent Longford is to go ahead. Given the Cup for his significant contributions Limerick, then down the Shannon representations have been made on proximity of both the River Inny and in many areas of the Association’s Estuary to Kilrush Creek. IWAI’s behalf to Minister the Royal Canal, IWAI sees huge activities, such as his support for Humphreys by Marcella Corcoran potential for tourism development the Association’s website, his Recently he helped implement the Kennedy TD & Bernard Durkan TD along the waterways in partnership prolific contributions on the IWAI IWAI Online 365 Membership of Fine Gael, James Lawless TD of with Centreparcs. This view is Discussion Forum, where he is to Services web pages and also the Fianna Fail and Independent TD shared by Deputy Kevin Boxer the fore in offering advice, tips and IWAI’s new accounting/financial Kevin Boxer Moran. Moran TD & in a recent PQ to suggestions for the benefit of package. Minister for Transport, Shane Ross In a recent Parliamentary Question TD, Deputy James Lawless TD members. Noel was presented with the cup Deputy Lawless asked the Minister highlighted again the tourism He successfully encouraged many during the annual Shannon Boat if she would consider the potential of the inland waterways. members to pursue coastal cruising Rally Dinner at the end of July. Our introduction of a dedicated Canals and in 2012 planned, organised photo shows Noel with Past Bill to replace the proposed Alan Kelly and led, together with Dave President Carmel Meegan and amendments to the Canals Act McCabe, the first Shannon Estuary current President, John Dolan. 1986 currently contained within the Photo: Siobhan Bigley Rally which saw about 30 boats, Inland Waterways News Autumn 2016 5

IWAI AT WORK IWAI AT WORK HEAD OFFICE REPORT October. If the balance sheet is Association and the Royal Canal Comments included: The Executive meeting in May, available online by then, the plan Action Group were invited to a • General opinion that it is a the first meeting following the is to tie in treasurer’s training on meeting with Waterways Ireland good document. AGM, was a Directors Only the new balance sheet on that at the end of April. The purpose meeting. John Martin was date. of the meeting was to discuss • Perhaps it should contain a welcomed as the new treasurer, the issue of bye law compliance requirement for compulsory Michael Geraghty as the new INSURANCE on the canals, ie compliance training. membership secretary and Tony Any accident or incident with the purchasing of CMP and • Need to find a way to Byron as the new Director occurring during an Association EMP permits. increase public awareness re responsible for managing the event must be notified to the As a result of this meeting safety. Association’s insurances. Executive via Waterways Ireland issued a [email protected] as soon as • Available in hard copy only MEMBERSHIP possible after the incident briefing document of proposed which is out dated. Could be As of 23 June, the Association occurs. The accident/incident amendments to the Canal Permit an app or video. had 1495 active members with needs to be recorded on the System, which was then 224 renewals due. Some Association accident form and a circulated to branches for • Licensing is not workable as members are reporting copy sent to the Executive. The comment. Feedback showed that there are not enough difficulties in renewing online accident form is available in members still have concerns on resources to enforce the and the current online payment Section 2.5 of the Association’s many issues. The Executive are requirement. system is proving to be safety statement, which is currently seeking a legal opinion • Should IWAI get involved with somewhat expensive. So for available at www.iwai.ie/org/policies on some aspects of the proposed training? The previous both those reasons the Executive amendments. In the meantime arrangement with RYA and is currently investigating options WEBSITE the Canal Action Group are ISA is now out of date. to change the online payment The development of the new keeping a watching brief for the system. website was awarded to Heritage Bill to be reintroduced • Evaluate who is supplying in the Seanad and are still FINANCE Heaventree Design of Galway. lobbying local TDs and Senators courses now and negotiate a reduced rate for members. Branches are reminded that as a They are working closely with on this issue. This would encourage registered charity, all internal our website sub-committee to WORlD CANAlS members to get training. events/rallies/cruises in company develop a website that is CONFERENCE MEETING must be self-financing. Income responsive, attractive and user from capitation can only be friendly, and most importantly is As you will all know by now Eanna Rowe was appointed as spent on activities that support nearly ready for roll out. Ireland has been successful in its Western Region Director with the aims of the Association as a DUNROVIN bid to host the World Canals Waterways Ireland. Eanna has charity. Conference in Athlone in requested a meeting with the The sub-committee are now September 2018. A professional Chairpersons of the IWAI To make life easier for all branch working with RNLI in relation to conference organiser has been branches in the Shannon and treasurers, the Executive have planning permission for the appointed by Waterways Ireland. Western region to be held in decided to proceed with the development of the permanent August or September. The development of an online life boat station at Dunrovin. CODE OF PRACTICE chairpersons of IWAI Derg, balance sheet that would Once planning permission has REVIEW Athlone, Carrick, Boyle River, capture bank balances, debtors, been granted then the sub- The Department of Tourism, Cruising Club and Powerboat creditors and accumulated committee will be looking at Transport and Sport are currently have been asked to submit 3 or profits and make the end of year applying for funding to help with reviewing the Code of Practice 4 agenda items each for accounts much easier. the construction of the IWAI for the Safe Operation of prioritising by the Executive. portion of the facility. Recreational Craft and requested These agenda should be of a Treasurers and chairpersons are reminded that accounts must be CANAl & ERNE ByE IWAI to input to this review. strategic nature if possible. Branches were emailed and signed off at each AGM which lAWS The chairperson or other must be held in November or Members of the Executive, along asked for comments and those nominated person from each comments have been collated December. All branch chairs and branch is to be invited to the treasurers are being asked to with the committee members and returned to the Department. meeting when a date is fixed. from the Heritage Boat attend the Council meeting on 1 6 Autumn 2016 Inland Waterways News

BOOK REVIEW THE MID SHANNON WATERWAy A PICTORIAl bOOk OF DEsIgnATED AnD TRAnquIl mOORIngs: by DONAL bOLAND approach the location from the many people to further explore river and where applicable, from that mid-Shannon area the land. For the most part, the themselves. tranquil moorings are places to anchor or bank moor with little The book is printed on high or no access to the land, but a quality heavy paper with heavy few, like Meelick Pool do have plastic outer covers so it should access to land for those who stand up to regular use. It is need it. While many of the bound with a spiral wire binding locations themselves will be so it will lay flat on a chart table. somewhat familiar to boaters, The book is 48 pages long with just from passing by, many of a few of the pages at the back those boaters will be unaware of being reserved for your own their potential as mooring notes and memories. locations. Dimensions: 255 x 175 x 8mm The high quality aerial photos Colin Becker (taken from a drone) are Most boaters on the Southern Most Shannon boaters will be fascinating in themselves, THE MID SHANNON reaches of the Shannon will have familiar with locations like providing a perspective on places WATERWAY A pictorial book come across Donal Boland and Portumna, Banagher and that earth or water-bound of designated and tranquil his barge, the James and Mary. Shannonbridge but how many travellers don’t normally see. But moorings by Donal Boland is will have visited Roger’s Lane, this isn’t a coffee table book. It’s available from the IWAI on- Over the last number of years, Cappaleitra or the Incherky intended to be used so keep it in line shop Price: €20.00 + P&P Donal, a marine archaeologist by Backwater? Well, this book tells wheelhouse alongside the charts. profession, has sought out quiet you where these places are and Mind you, there would be little creeks and hidey-holes for how to get to them. nothing wrong with having a mooring, away from the hustle second copy at home, just to and bustle of crowded marinas. The locations are shown on an appreciate the pictures! overview map at the start of In this book, he shares the each section and then each While the book does carry the locations of 20 of these ‘tranquil’ location has a series of photos usual warning that it should not moorings along with details of (mostly from the air) showing be used for navigation, and 10 of the better known how to approach it. Location certainly a lot of care is needed ‘designated’ mooring spots details (on the Irish Grid) are when venturing outside the along the Shannon between given for each mooring as is a ‘handrails’ of the formal marking Athlone and Lough Derg. brief description of how to system, I’m sure it will inspire The backriver north of Banagher. Inland Waterways News Autumn 2016 7

RALLY ROUND UP lOUGH DERG by mICHAEl gERAgHTy Well another year over for the and Paddy’s Bar in the marquee Derg Rally, with close to 70 for those fond of a pint or three! Heavy metal approaching Terryglass Photo: Richard Ellis boats registered and 260 people Next day now Thursday....where attending. 105 under 18. What a is the week going, we moved to great week of fun despite the Garrykennedy and had fun with wet and windy weather trying to a bouncy castle (kindly interfere. Saturday saw a sponsored by Barry & Maura gathering of the boats in O’Brien of Morning Mist). The Dromineer and a great journey down saw the on route Commodore’s welcome with a element of the Safety Sam well organised cheese and wine programme for the 14 young to start us off and a few team boaters - they even got to helm games to get the things going, a barge or 2, and all got their ‘Go team E’ still ringing in my merit badges. Thanks again Irene ears. and the HBA. Our chairperson Sophie made Next we had to capture the flag the scary announcement that run by our up and coming future this is her last year on the Commodores Eve, and Dayna, committee but I think she has checkout the pictures on our left a very capable bunch behind web page. Most of the photos her to carry on building great taken during the week are on rallies for years to come – no the Derg webpage, if you have doubt she will be watching from more just send them on to me. Hungry Hippo the side lines – ‘I wouldn’t have Garrykennedy also was host to Photo: Colin Becker done it that way’ I hear her say! Pictureinteering (a new twist on (has to be a ditty in that Orienteering) organise by Ivan somewhere). Thornbury and a huge success Day 2 saw the team games get despite the rain. That night into full swing with ‘hungry dinner was cooked by our hippo’ and ‘water balloon Commodore and his team. challenge’ to name but a few. Burger and a can. That night we had an open mike Speaking of cooking, what a night with lots of people willing great course run by Siobhan to step forward with a song or Shortt teaching those who two. attended, how to bake avocados Day 3 was move day but the on the barbie along with weather made it difficult so we homemade burgers, and yeast Bouncy castles on water decided to stay put and events bread. rearranged so things continued Friday saw the fleet move to Photo: Colin Becker without interruption in Mountshannon, the erection of Dromineer. An afternoon on the our own marquee (that was fun inflatable water sports and some watching the boys (men) playing line heaving kept us busy. That with all the bars. That night we evening in the marquee was a had our annual Ditty real treat as if was the Talent competition. The competition Competition and wow the talent was fierce and we had a brilliant from youngest up was incredible, winner, well done Arlene watch out X Factor. (Brislane). On Saturday the last Day 4 and we head for day, we had Joe's Jungle Terryglass, with a nice trip up the challenge… ooooh what stuff lake and excellent harbour were we putting our hands masters to guide us into place. into.... Maggots and all, too Once all nicely tucked up the fun much to bear, we also had our began again with a quiz in The usual water sports event with Derg Inn for all the family to lots of good fun throwing take part, it was extremely well people out of Donuts and a run organised and was a great night. on a jet-ski for those who Next day was the children's wanted it, which included sports and build the tower getting wet for those who chose competition during the day and to. the start of Safety Sam, thanks Gerry provided an aircraft slide to Irene O’Neill and the HBA. for the young and old to play on Line heaving Photo: Colin Becker That evening we had a great if you were brave enough!! band night with Rualie Bualie (Thanks Gerry). Lastly that night 8 Autumn 2016 Inland Waterways News

RAlly 41 IWAI AT WORK we finished up with a fantastic final night dinner and prize giving in the Mountshannon Barges in T4 Hotel, with our IWAI President there to say a few words of encouragement to the incoming committee. The work is all ahead of you guys, looking forward to next year already! Special thanks to Commodore Joe Leonard and the committee, the harbour masters, boating competition organisers, judges and all who helped in any way to make the week the success it was. We look forward to seeing you all again next year for more fun with Commodore Ivan Thornbury. The Commodore tries out the tower Donuts Safety Sam participants Photo: Conor Nolan Jet Ski fun Fancy Dress Markie Becker being Flyboarding interviewed by Eoin Photo: Colin Becker O’Reilly at fancy dress Capture the Flag Inland Waterways News Autumn 2016 9

56TH SHANNON RALLY ROUND UP Rosette Photo: Paul Larkin Lining up in green and white to make the flag This year marks the 56th proceeds going to Cancer Care. The book contains details of 10 in the carpark and is hazardous. Shannon Boat Rally the largest The Rally actively participated designated moorings and a We understand Roscommon boating event in the Inland and raised over €300 for Cancer further 20 tranquil moorings County Council have plans in Waterways Calendar. The event Care supporting the local which can be visited between train for the roadway and attracts boaters from all over community effort. The children Athlone and Portumna. This is a carpark and we look forward to Ireland to spend their annual on the Rally planted a tree on book any boater would love to seeing these implemented. summer holidays on the River the green area dedicated to all have and reminds us of how The Rally then sailed to Lough Shannon. It is an outdoor the community environmental tranquil and secluded the River Ree Yacht Club, our base for the adventure holiday with over fifty initiatives. Shannon is and we hope it will next two days for competitions events, competitions and encourage more visitors to our and activities. We were treated activities to take part in. This Our next destination was waterways. Huge congratulations to a sneak preview of Dr Harmon year the Rally was held in and Portrunny and to reach our goes to all the small Murtagh’s new book on historic around Lough Ree. destination we travelled in communities along the Shannon convoy through the Steamer and Lough Ree who work hard places to visit in and around The event started informally in Channel, the line that at maintaining their waterway Lough Ree. This guide book is Coosan for IWAI Athlone and in commercial barges used in the amenities to attract boaters, nearing completion and we look Carrick on Shannon for IWAI 19th and early 20th centuries walkers and other activities to forward to its publication. Carrick with social gatherings but not marked on the normal their area. The RNLI visited the Rally and with the official start in charts. The area was provided an afternoon checking Lanesboro. The opening cheese electronically surveyed in 2012 Our next destination was Hodson life jackets and the gas and wine reception and and 2016 by the Charts Special Bay. We held events in the mechanisms that help the life ecumenical service were held in Interest Group. Hodson Bay Hotel and in belts automatically inflate if you a marquee on the boardwalk Athlone Golf Club. Both fall into the water. Fifty five and the boaters were very The local Portrunny community responded very generously in people have drowned in our impressed with the amazing have spent considerable time hosting our events. Both are waterways this year and the RNLI facilities developed by the and effort in making their area amazing facilities on the shores are working closely with IWAI to Ballyleague Development beautiful and have some of them of Lough Ree and with the promote safety on the water. Association. Many commented joined us for our coffee morning advent of Baysports this This is a message close to our that it was a balmy evening and and skippers briefing. At our destination was very popular hearts and a campaign we are that it felt like summer in Paris coffee morning we launched THE with the Rally. The only happy to support along the Seine. The next day MID-SHANNON WATERWAY: A complaint from our boating the local community organised a pictorial book of designated and visitors was the disappointing We spent two very enjoyable food and craft fair with all tranquil moorings by Donal state of the car park since the nights in the yacht club with Boland (James & Mary). winter flooding. Much of the fancy dress and talent black silt from the flooding is still Keith Rowe Commodore; the Ellis Family winners of the Tree Planting Premier Award and Dawn Livingstone CEO WI Photo: Siobhan Bigley Photo: Nora Sleator 10 Autumn 2016 Inland Waterways News

RALLY ROUND UP BOAT RAlly by Siobhan Bigley Keith Rowe Commodore presenting Tadgh Crowley Award to Bláthnaid Smith Cormac Smith, line heaving winner with Photo: Siobhan Bigley Commodore Keith Rowe. Photo: Simon Martin competitions. It was as much fun sales put on especially for the for those that took part as those Rally visitors and there was a trail in the audience. of people arriving back to the marina with bags full of During the day we had our shopping. Traditionally when the commando competition for all rally enters Athlone people love those obstacle course lovers to eat out and with a free night where teams of six, young and all the restaurants and pubs were not so young, pitted their skills full. against one another. The next event required a strict dress code The final night of the 56th of white and green. All those Shannon Boat Rally was held in attending the rally were asked to the Radisson hotel. People dress dress in green tee shirts and the up in their finery and attend the Emma Reid (l) & Kevin Masterson (r) receive organising committee dressed in prize giving where the winners Family Sailing Award from the Commodore white tee shirts. We attempted of the boating competitions Photo: Simon Martin to replicate the IWAI flag by navigation, man overboard, people power. This was captured rescue of a cruiser, first mate, in drone footage by Paul Larkin and mooring are revealed. Just and we all had great fun forming over two hundred people and reforming the flag and attended the event with our making it appear to blow in the guests Dawn Livingstone (CEO of wind. This drone coverage is Waterways Ireland), her husband temporarily available on YouTube Robert, John Dolan (President of under IWAI 56th Shannon Boat IWAI) and his wife Catriona Rally. Hilliard and the Mayor of Athlone John Dolan (a different Our next adventure was the one!). highlight of the Rally as we formed a Rosette on water in We presented the Endeavour Clodagh O Toole receives award for Novice Ballykeeran Lough with our Award to Noel Griffin for his Ladies Sailing from the Commodore boats and anchored out for the dedication and continuous Photo: Simon Martin night. They weather was contribution to the Inland beautiful and we used the centre Waterways. We presented the of the circle for swimming races, Herraghty family with the Denis canoeing races and splashing Tracey award for their about. This was also captured by outstanding contribution to the Paul Larkin with drone footage. Shannon Boat Rally. The Tadgh The coverage is very spectacular Crowley award was present to and we are happy to make this Blanaid Smith, for her teenage footage available to the Athlone spirit of helpfulness on the rally Municipal District for promotion and the Doc Farrell award to the of the Shannon. Warren Family from the Shannon Erne for their contribution to the The following morning, we Rally. cruised to Athlone and moored in the town Marina. The local All agreed in the final analysis authority has put considerable that the 56th Shannon Boat Rally investment into the marina and was a huge success and a everyone was very happy to fantastic holiday on the water Dawn Livingstone, CEO WI, arrive in Athlone take a shower for all the family. Looking addresses the Rally Dinner and wander up town to shop. forward to next year already. Photo: Siobhan Bigley There were several weekend Anchors away! Inland Waterways News Autumn 2016 11

THE EARLY DAYS THE EARly DAyS By Seán Glennon before the war by a local architect named saved the canals there, are held in such high Vivian Ashton. The Ashton's lived near us on regard that when Sonya, (Tom Rolt’s second the Ballymahon Road in a house called wife) died in 2014, her memorial service was Roslevan which afterwards became a girl's held in St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. boarding school. Sometime after the Rolt’s trip, the Jack had got the boat ‘handy’ and he and Government announced that the opening the Rolts were waiting in Athlone for a bridges on the Shannon, which were no petrol permit before they could start their longer fit for the heavy lorries using them, Le Coq – pictured in journey. Remember just after the war petrol would be replaced by fixed bridges thus rationing was very strict. My father had a reducing the head room for boats to about the canal at Killaloe ration for his motor boat as he was the 10 feet. This was decided after a public adjutant of the local defence force and he enquiry was held in Athlone courthouse. Seán Glennon shares some memories of the visit of LTC & Angela Rolt in the late had loaned his boat to the Rolts until they The attitude to the waterways at the time 1940s and the formation and early days could get a supply for Le Coq. was at best indifference and in some cases of IWAI. Seán believes he may be the My father kept his boat at Browne’s boat hostile. At a debate held in Athlone at that last person alive who attended the yard on the quay in Athlone. I can remember time a motion calling for the restoration of inaugural meeting of IWAI in the talking to the Rolts at the time. It was from the waterways was defeated by a large Shelbourne Hotel in January 1954. helping Teddy Browne with his boat building majority. I spoke for the waterways at that that I picked up knowledge of the craft. debate. I had my first trip on the Shannon in the same motor boat that Tom Rolt and his wife Le Coq later came into the ownership of a This hostility and public indifference led to Angela had used in Athlone to get to Yew man named Horan who kept her in very the formation of the Inland Waterways Point as described in the opening chapter of good order on a mooring near the old Association of Ireland as we know it today. his famous book Green & Silver. Ranelagh school boat house in Athlone. The My father was the editor of a chain of next time I saw the Le Coq afloat was on the newspapers in the Midlands. He asked me, I My trip took me to Lough Key and back sometimes sleeping in a tent made from a slip at Mountshannon Harbour. It was was a junior reporter, to attend the inaugural barrage balloon cover. An article I wrote owned by a man named James. The boat meeting and to write a report on the about the trip appeared in several was leaking at the bows and he was meeting which I did. I believe I am the last newspapers drawing attention to the attempting to staunch it with a concrete mix person around who was at that meeting. neglected state of our waterways. The late inside the hull. I offered my advice which he The meeting took place in the constitution Seán McEoin who was a TD for ignored. room of the Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin at Longford/Westmeath told me he had never The next time I saw the boat was at the 5pm on 7 January 1954. To get to the realised the bad state of our waterways. lookout at Killaloe where she had sunk. Only meeting, myself and three other waterways the roof of the cabin was over the water. enthusiasts from Athlone, Harry Waters, a The Rolts had hired a house boat from friends of ours, Jack & Dolly Behan, to do a She was removed from there by Waterways local boat builder, Jack Newall, a local trip around the waterways of the South of Ireland as a hazard to navigation. What a pharmacist and his wife Betty travelled by Ireland: the Grand Canal, Royal Canal and sad end for such a famous boat. the morning train to Dublin and came home Shannon Navigation. The boat, Le Coq, was The Rolts, as founders of the Inland on the night mail from Westland Row. On a 26ft lifeboat converted into a house boat Waterways Association in England, which the journey home, Mrs Newell produced a picnic hamper from the left luggage office for our supper. Jack was a good friend. In Harry Rice addresses the inaugural meeting of IWAI in the Constitution Room of the Shelbourne Hotel on 7 Jan 1954. Seán is seated at the extreme right of the picture. Green & Silver by LTC Rolt. 12 Autumn 2016 Inland Waterways News

THE EARLY DAYS the back garden of his house in Athlone he His wife's family, the Geoghans, owned the bred golden pheasants. Harry was very down Prince of Wales Hotel in the town. A friend to earth. On the way back home I asked him Jimmy Reid had built a house boat in what he thought of those at the meeting. ‘A Athlone before the war. Harry bought the lot of Dun Laoghaire yachties’ was his house boat from Jimmy and did his first trip comment which proved to be very accurate. on the Shannon in it which he recounted in his book Thanks for the Memory. I later wrote a report of the meeting for the papers and when my father the editor My father was the editor of two local remarked on the short length of the report I newspapers and Harry invited him and told him that most of the speakers were myself out to his house on Coosan Point to from Dublin and were gasbags who spent give him some advice as to publishing the half an hour saying nothing. He laughed. book. We listened to his daughter Betty reading extracts from the manuscript. My That first meeting was chaired by Col. Harry father agreed to publish the book as a Rice and 12 speakers addressed the meeting. weekly column in the paper but to set the The most impressive speaker was TD Seán type in double column width which was the McBride who spoke English with a French width of a book page and to save the type accent. He was then leader of the Clann na each week until the end, thus the main Poblachta Party and a former chief of staff of expense of publishing the book, the the IRA. He later won the Nobel Peace Prize. typesetting, was borne by the newspaper. No less than 12 were elected vice presidents This was how the first edition of Thanks for and ten were elected to a council which was the Memory was printed. The cost really really a posh name for a committee. Among Thanks for the Memory by Harry Rice being the cost of the paper. The newspapers those I remember were Prof. Johnson, Prof. had their own printing works and book R F Henry a brother of Paul Henry the lot of Dublin yachties’ was to prove correct. bindery and it was under their name, the painter, P J Lenihan who was the For within two months the association had Athlone Printing Works Ltd, that the 1st grandfather of the late Brian Lenihan, the burgees for their yacht available to Edition was published. I can remember Minister of Finance who died in office during members. My mother Christina made the reading some of the sheets as they came off the financial crash and Walter Levinge the first burgee on her Singer sewing machine the press. The book was sold as a paperback boat builder. Dr. V T H Delany was elected from a drawing given to her by Harry Rice. for 5 shillings and as a hard back for 7 secretary with an assistant Mr. L M The burgee was based on the title of Rolt’s shillings and sixpence. Goodbody. book Green & Silver - a silver river flowing Years later when the Clann na Poblachta through a green countryside. My mother's The proof reader was a man named Charlie O'Neill who had been a Chief Petty Officer in Party ceased to exist, Sean McBride and the burgee was given to Gorevan Brothers in the Royal Navy during the war and had treasurer of the party Maura Dennehy, gave Camden Street in Dublin to make a large served at one time in the Dutch Navy. me, as the then secretary of the Inland one costing seven shillings and sixpence and Waterways Association a substantial cheque smaller one for four shillings. The next time I met Pompey Delany he was from the party's remaining funds. moored in the family boat La Vague Harry Rice, our first president, had an V T H Delany known as ‘Pompey’ resigned adventurous life and was one of those between the bridges of the Shannon at Athlone near where our family boat the Kala shortly afterwards as secretary of the people that you could sit talking to for was moored. I rowed across in the dinghy to association on being appointed as Professor hours. As a young doctor he had joined the say hello. He was on his honeymoon on the of Law at Queens University Belfast as did L Royal Army Medical Corps during the First boat with his new wife Ruth. I had M Goodbody. He was succeeded by Peter World War. He once told me he was sent to afternoon tea with them on board. The last Denham who was a medical specialist in a Liverpool Scottish Regiment to replace a time I met Pompey was in Nassua Street in charge of Sir Patrick Dunne's Hospital in medical officer who had been badly Dublin when he came out of Trinity College Dublin. He treated people as if you were a wounded. When he got there he discovered through Scholars Gate and we had a long medical student on his rounds. But for all that he was replacing Noel Chavasse who chat. It was shortly before he died. that he was first class in the job. I can had already won a double Victoria Cross for remember one evening at his house in his outstanding bravery. Harry said to me ‘it Later on I got to know his brother Dr Alf Clonskeagh, Dublin helping him finish off a was a hard act to follow’. Chavasse studied Delany as he became President of the barrel of beer which had been ‘got in’ for his medicine and qualified as a doctor at the association when I was General Secretary. daughter’s wedding the next day. Royal College of Surgeon's in Dublin. The My brother Billy and I bought Shannon One place where he won his VC is now behind Design S/46 known as Gavlotta from I succeeded Peter as secretary of the the guard's cemetery at Les Boeufs in Pompey in 1954. I still own her. Pompey had association in 1966. I remained secretary France. a new Shannon One Design built for himself. until 1975 when I was succeeded by Jeremy It wasn't a great success. I can remember it Addis, an Englishman who went to the same Harry also told me a story about the end of being put through its paces at the Lough public school, Gresham's, (in Norfolk) as did the war in France. A Yeomanry Squadron Derg Regatta without success. One of the our former president Erskine Childers. I bet had been ambushed in a Belgian village wags named it the Banana Boat. you never knew that Childers had a posh street at midnight on 10 November 1918. English public school accent. He was our TD Hours before the armistice began; an Irish in Westmeath where I met him a number of Sergeant was helping Harry to tend to the times. He was a lovely person compared to wounded. Years later when Harry was on the some of the people we have in public life first trip on the Shannon he steered his boat today. Jeremy Addis was a poet who edited into Jamestown Lock and who came to help Poetry Ireland at one time and at one stage him but the Sergeant from November 1918. he kept his boat at my place in Tipperary for They both recognised each other at once. a few years. When Harry came back to Ireland from India Seán Glennon (l) with the editor aboard Harry Waters comment ‘that the people at after the Second World War he lived in Chang Sha, in Mountshannon, July 2016. the first meeting of the association were a Athlone with his wife and daughter Betty. Photo: John Dolan Inland Waterways News Autumn 2016 13

CSIG CSIG By LES SAUNDERS, CSIG PRO annual HBA event. I have been Ree and loads more areas. He using an early test version of has also purchased all his own Beta v8.1 in anger, and once equipment, and provides all his again Brian has excelled himself own fuel for the surveying work with this new release. It will be he does, and believe me, this is with you all soon. no small amount given the many many hours he spends surveying. UPDATES TO Pat has joined the HBA (Heritage BRANCHES Boat Association), and before When we started the CSIG every event he spends weeks group almost 4 years ago, surveying the target areas for us. funding amongst other items He has also done this for the was a major issue. Thankfully, two main IWAI rallies, the Derg Lough Derg IWAI set us up as a Rally and the Shannon Rally. special project, and continue to For example last year Pat spent run our finances for us. At that weeks in Meelick Pool, so the time a number of us went round whole rally of over 90 boats the IWAI branches presenting could explore an area that was what we would like to do and completely out of bounds prior requesting funding to do it. to his survey. Pat has also forged Most branches gave us as much contacts in the water authorities, as they could spare, and we has been licensed to do would now like to go around all archaeological surveys, and is the branches again, thanking now the PRO for the Athlone them and showing them what Sub Aqua Club. He trains every they got for their funds. So, I am winter with the divers and is one making myself available to any of very few first responders Pat McManus branch who would like an approved by the authorities. Pat updated presentation on what has also produced special we now have to offer to fisherman charts showing the surveying away in north Derg, members of the IWAI. If you deep pools and other places BETA CHARTS V8.1 and with his specially fitted out would like to avail of this where that BIG fish may be The Charts Special Interest jetski, he has been able to survey presentation please contact me hiding, and has assisted the RNLI Group (CSIG) has been working all around the reed lines in in the first instance, Les and the Coast Guard with tirelessly over the summer comfort. This setup is excellent Saunders, at specialised charts for their use. months to improve the current for exploring the shallow areas ([email protected]) to excellent Beta version 7. We and we are delighted Michael arrange a suitable time and Oh yeah, he also likes Rugby. have inputs from surveyors has come on stream. Tony Baker, venue. Can’t understand that, but I primarily working in the North Brian Willson and Fergal Kerney guess each to his own! Shannon areas where we were are also working in Lough Derg, SURVEyING light on depth data. Shorelines and we have interest from 2 WITH PAT were already good enabling more potential surveyors to add MCMANUS excellent positional information. to this Derg group. At one of our very But without the depth data, early meetings in exploration of those nice quiet Brian Willson tells me that finally Shannon Harbour spots was not safe. the owners of the Global about 4 years Mapper program that we use for ago, this young Thanks mainly to Robert Navan, creating the charts have made man came along, Mike Kingston and Pat McManus the changes which Brian and I can still hear who have spent weeks surveying requested. He has tested the his words to me. areas like Lough Key, Acres Lake, changes with the application He said, I am a Lough Allen, and some lovely writers, removed some bugs, and fisherman and am offshoots to these areas, along agreed that at least some not sure if there is with the additional data from progress has been made. This is anything I can do transits through Lough Erne crucial for Brian bearing in mind to help the group, down to Lough Derg, we have the size of the areas that need to but I’m here now now populated good chunks of be rendered in that he loses his and so I’ll stay for the North Shannon. There is PC for up to 14 days at a time. the meeting. more to do, and we could do The new update has reduced with some more help, so if you that down to 3 days, still a huge Some fisherman. are inclined don’t hesitate, take time, but progress. Pat has almost part. solely been As I write this, I am sitting in a responsible for Survey of shoal with contours at 2ft intervals Michael Geraghty is now marina in Leitrim town on the surveying Lough 14 Autumn 2016 Inland Waterways News

CSIG Pat has a blog which he updates more accurately. Pat splits the So, once set up, the surveying FINAlly regularly, you should drop in and data coming from the side scan process is really quite straight Have a great autumn on the have a browse at unit so he can extract the nmea forward, and because of the river, test out those places we www.reelaxfishing.blogspot.ie data needed for depth and the tools we use, which are fairly have found and hopefully the scan data for hazards, and the basic, anyone can do it. If you I thought there might be interest streams are fed into the laptop would like to try your hand, weather will be kind. to see what kind of equipment unit via an ethernet connection. please contact me and I will put If you want a copy of the charts Pat uses for surveying. His you in contact with the nearest for your tablet, smartphone or hardware consists of a Windows To make surveying easier and to surveyor who will show you first laptop, please send an email to laptop, a depth sounder, and a stop duplication Brian has hand how it is done. me as below. Humminbird Side Scanner. His divided the whole waterways software consists of system into tiles. When a I think it is fair to say to Pat, And again, if you would like a MemoryMap, Autochart (used to surveyor is about to cover a thank you, you are some special presentation at your branch be Dr.Depth), the special particular area, he obtains the fisherman. meetings please contact me: surveyor App that Brian Willson relevant tiles from Brian and [email protected] produced, and the specialised works with these. This way all Images: Pat McManus surveyor background tiles previous data for that area is produced again by Brian, all shown and the surveyor can see running on the laptop. the tracks performed by others. The McManus fleet Pat has split his Windows screen Pat normally surveys using a 20 into three areas, and he uses one meter wide grid, but once he for MemoryMap, one for enters an area of less than 10 Autochart, and the third for meters depth he changes to a 10 Brian’s app. With the side meter wide grid. The grid scanner, Pat sets it up to show enables him to keep on track. If bottom data for 50 meters on an anomaly such as a rock is the port side and for 50 meters found, then Pat circles that on the starboard side. This gives anomaly tightening the circle him an excellent view of any until he has a clear picture of it. potential hazards which can be As I described in the last article, further investigated later. The Brian’s app eliminates the data side scanner also provides more limit we had when using the data than the Garmin 451s inbuilt data cards on the gps which was used in the early units, so surveying can be for as days, so surveys can be long as one likes. completed in faster time and Inland Waterways News Autumn 2016 15

OPINION COllAPSED CUlVERTS AND OTHER HEADACHES by Michelle & Sean McBride - The Swallow north and onwards to Dublin or the Shannon. A water culvert built in the There are one or two for whom it is more Empty canal eighteenth century was than just an inconvenience. If a repair is not generally made from bricks completed quickly, they may need to have and mortar. The bricks used their craft lifted out of the canal south of for this culvert, and many Rathangan and refloated north of Lock 22. others built around the One couple in particular have a winter same time, came from Athy mooring arranged in Northern Ireland, but in County Kildare. Culverts they are unable to travel. were intended to prevent flooding of nearby Speculation is rife, as no official news is farmlands by allowing forthcoming. It is believed that Waterways water to pass freely and Ireland is seeking government funding for the drain away. repairs. Contracts for the work must be put out to tender, which could see the repairs Years of water ingress has taking up to eighteen months to complete. caused the mortar holding This means the bed of the canal will be the bricks to finally give exposed over the winter months, when way. It is a spectacular sight Walking along the Grand Canal where it runs additional damage may occur, with rainfall alongside the Slate River over the past few to see how the water was channelled under potentially causing mud slides and collapse of weeks will have been an unusual experience the canal so many years ago. It is a credit to the canal banks. for many people. The canal is closed between the craftsmanship of bygone days that this Canal boat hire companies are badly affected Locks 22 and 23 for possibly the first time culvert held firm for all these years. by this incident. It appears that in the terms since its construction was completed in 1791. and conditions of their permits to operate, The canal has been emptied of water and the Failing brickwork events of this nature are deemed as ‘acts of bed lies in view for all to see. god’ by the authorities. Costs incurred due to these events are not compensable from Waterways Ireland. Anyone needing to lift Dry bed their boats out in order to move to the Grand Canal main line or to the Shannon would have to fund such movement themselves. There is a desperate need for funding to be allocated to the actual waterways. There has been huge investment in the facilities, services This incident raises the question of whether and walkways along the canals for increasing other culverts have been inspected recently. It tourism. However, funds for the upkeep, is worrying to think that funding intended to renovation and upgrading of sections of the enhance the canal experience has been built canal have been limited. With three weed- on a shaky foundation. cutting machines decommissioned due to health and safety issues, it seems funding is The reason we are able to see this is due to The loss of water allows a clear view of the not making its ways to the grassroots – it the collapse of a section of culvert which dumping of materials into the canal – clear would appear obvious that the people who channels water beneath the canal from evidence of the need for a comprehensive travel on the canal know most about where farmlands to the northeast and southwest. cleaning programme, along with the funding is needed. Being able to see the revealed banks gives an educating of people who frequent the insight into the colossal amount of manpower waterways to understand the damage caused. it must have taken to build such a structure Temporary dam over 200 years ago, without the machinery Canal rubbish we have available today. At the collapsed culvert, work has been carried out to create small dams to try and The official word from Waterways Ireland maintain marine life either side of the breach. (Marine Notice No. 85 of 2016) is that the Due to stagnation of the water and low canal will be closed until further notice. oxygen content it’s unlikely that any of the Nobody is allowed to travel north of fish will survive. It may take years for the fish Monasterevin, as there is no adequate water stock in this section to reach previous levels. It source to refill locks south of Rathangan. is also a devastating blow to the otter Collapsed culvert There are a number of canal users who are population who live along the canal. stranded south of Rathangan, unable to travel 16 Autumn 2016 Inland Waterways News

OPINION they cannot pay, they could be lawfully Of course it is not only young people who are Traffic cones obliged to work at least fifteen hours responsible for littering – it is a social problem collecting litter in lieu of the fine, with any that spans all ages, genders, races and money collected going straight into a fund for religions. Nature and wildlife suffer as a result maintenance of the waterways. of human detritus, but it is important to point out that we are a part of this eco system and Clearly the current system is not working – we’re hurting ourselves. The bed of the canal the photographs show the level of respect for shows only a fraction of the rubbish, and a our beautiful waterways. In America there are more careful look at what we are consuming organisations such as America the Beautiful and disposing of on a daily basis is the start of and Bag Ready Jobs in Arizona, who, along the solution to the bigger problem highlighted with local businesses, collaborate with young Although it isn’t long since the canal was people to collect litter. There is a cash by our polluted section of empty waterway. dredged, there are drink cans and bottles, incentive to fill bin bags over a four-day For now the most pressing issue is to clear the traffic cones, cages, nets, a bicycle and other period, and workers are taught business skills exposed bed while the opportunity is here unidentifiable objects lining the dirt. A sign of and the importance of looking after their and fix the breach before the end of the our times? It’s doubtful the people who built environment. season. the canal or lived through its construction would have thrown their lunch wrappers or Photos: Michelle McBride dirty old trousers into it. Under the terms of the Litter Pollution Act 1997 ‘you will be charged an on-the-spot fine of €150 for leaving or throwing litter in a public place.’ It would be ideal if anyone caught littering in or around the canal could be fined immediately. Perhaps in the event Old bikes More rubbish NOT EVERyONE CAN BE SAVED by Peter Hynes, RNLI Community Incident Reduction Manager everyone can be saved, be attributed to a lack of understand, plan for and which is why the RNLI understanding of the risks respond to, risks and want to make more associated with activity around opportunities that are local and people aware of the risks the coast. real to them. These plans address associated with being in the risks that affect that and around the water, so The first step in changing particular community instead of that they can better someone’s behaviour is to make a one size fits all approach for Atlantic 75 them aware of the risk. Once protect themselves. the whole of the island. They are Photo: Nicholas Leach aware of the risk they are then part of the RNLI’s shift from a The Community more likely to behave in a safer The RNLI are committed to Lifesaving Department of the manner around the water. The primarily reactive approach to a substantially reducing the RNLI have put together a anticipated outcome would be proactive focus. These plans are number of people that die in Community Lifesaving Plan for that people are educated to centrally led by the RNLI but are British and Irish waters by 2024. each of the communities where prevent an incident from collaboratively planned and As well as a continued focus on they have a Lifeboat Station. The occurring and should an incident managed by the community. The Rescue, it aims to do this also aim of the Plan is to reduce occur, that they have the goal is to end up with through preventative action, fatalities and serious incidents by necessary training and communities that are highlighting the risks of the targeting particular at risk groups equipment to survive while empowered, trusted and trained water and using their knowledge with specifically targeted awaiting assistance. to go out and do the important to give safety advice. By sharing interventions. These interventions work in prevention that will save their knowledge, experience and are designed to either create an The basis of the Community lives. As a result we should end expertise locally, nationally and awareness of a risk or to make it Lifesaving Plan has looked into up with communities that will internationally the RNLI aim to easier for someone to behave in the causes of incidents and succeed in collaboration and work effectively with the a safe manner when either deaths amongst key groups. working together rather than lifesaving community to make a alongside or in the water. Identifying key attitudes and standing in isolation. difference. behaviours of water users and The RNLI have carried out then producing targeted safety Despite the best efforts of the research which shows that half interventions that will help the Emergency Services here in the people who drown each year understanding of risk by these Ireland, over the last 10 years never intended in getting wet in key groups and encourage safer there has been an average loss the first place. This suggests that enjoyment of our waters. These of 133 people through drowning a large number of incidents can communities will then be able to each year. Unfortunately not Inland Waterways News Autumn 2016 17

TOWPATH TIM CyClEWAyS barge. Their trips provide a tranquil view of un-navigable) and at Monasterevin, where What better way to review the waterways, nature along the waterway, along with a the Jennifer’s Travels hireboat had chosen to than to tour the towpath. Thinking it might little canal history, and a tasty menu of food stop mid navigation rather than fight the be a little quicker than walking, Tim donned and drink onboard. It is encouraging to see growth on the propeller. Although an his cycling jacket and took to his wheels any canal businesses surviving, especially in evening stop mid canal can be for other very along the route from Dublin to this part of the waterway where there is not good reasons also, but I shall leave your Graiguenamanagh. A sure footed horse much waterway traffic. mind to wonder on that thought. could do it towing a barge many years ago, so it couldn’t be that difficult by bicycle I thought. Spaghetti weed www.Bargetrip.ie ADVENTURE AT RATHANGAN I hopped off my bike at Rathangan to assist DERElICT BUIlDINGS a boat through the complicated double lock, Pesky gates! On to Lock 22 at Glenaree, where travellers the skipper telling me that Waterways had camped around the lock gate. With so Ireland had been too busy to come along Alas those pesky Waterways Ireland gates many of their young children playing around and assist. The European Cup Football match get in the way, and I can report that the the lock, a fatality seems somewhat that day may not have helped matters. A towpath route is as a result certainly not inevitable. in days gone by, the on-site lock double lock is always tricky to operate, and cycle friendly. Even with an off road bike, keeper prevented this problem. The vacant of course this one presented a risk of gates at Lucan, 17th Lock Landenstown, and lock house here is now damaged and open flooding the cottage below the lock from 24th Lock Rathangan stopped progress to the elements, joining Old 19th Lock, 24th where Canalways rent out barges. entirely and the only way was to unload and Lock, Fenniscourt Lock and Clondalkin Lock haul the bike over the top of gate. The houses on the ever expanding list of Alas their premises was quiet with no barges horsemen of days gone by did not have to abandoned Waterways Ireland property. You to be seen. I later logged onto their website deal with this! Cycling the towpath is thus can tell that an organisation has too much to find the note entitled ‘Unavailability of very time consuming, and you need a strong money when it can afford to simply abandon Barges 2016’. The advice is that Fisher King person to lift bike and kit over the gates. Be the residential buildings in its portfolio, in and James Gill are currently booked for long warned that there are gates which present a the middle of a national housing crisis. term hire and are unavailable for the 2016 serious health and safety risk, as you have to season, while River Dancer was going to hang out over the edge of the waterway to Dublin for the 1916 IWAI Commemoration get through with a bike. Rally and not available for hire. Another boat Time Out is described as going lIVEABOARD MOORINGS for a full refurbishment and will be re- A quick stop at Hazelhatch (the start of the commissioned for rental in 2017. The lack of established Arthurs Way heritage trail, availability may be somewhat irrelevant as certainly worth a walk) to see how the new news just in is that a culvert collapse is Waterways Ireland moorings are getting threatening the navigation here. Waterways along. Alas, the planning application June Lockhouse at 24th Ireland will struggle hard to keep any 2015 was rejected, so it is on to An Bord waterways business alive, if they cannot Pleanála. It seems that even Waterways provide a navigable waterway. Ireland is no longer allowed to decide what SPAGHETTI WEED happens on the waterways. It is interesting My trip along the canal took place at high RUBBISH ON THE RIVER to note that one of the objections to the summer, when weed is often a serious My Barrow cycle was somewhat eclipsed by residential moorings plan was lodged by a problem on the waterway. Weed growth on news of Fergal McCarthy’s simultaneous raft resident who is already living aboard at the canal is a problem we seem to have voyage along the same route. Not just any Hazelhatch. Reviewing the planning been discussing for too many years, without barge, but a barge made of rubbish. Fergal application, I have been trying to calculate any resolution. Whether caused by early cobbled together lots of plastic bottles and how the proposed 270m of jetty was going summers or over active fertilizing farmers. other assorted floatables to create a craft to accommodate the plan for only 6 boat Weed has certainly been a boat stopper in which he then rowed from Dublin along the moorings. That makes each boat over 120ft the past, and it may be that more flow of Grand Canal and River Barrow down as far long. Should have some trouble getting water through the locks and churning by as Carlow. Once at Carlow, Fergal’s art through the 60ft locks, those guys. boat propellers would help keep the exhibition ‘Take Me to the River’ is displaying waterway navigable. Waterways Ireland have at ‘Visual’ in Carlow until October. Whilst at TAKE A TRIP AT SAllINS been doing sterling work with their weed Carlow, Fergal was planning to lead free Hireboat rentals are few and far between on cutting boats, but we will all need to help if walks of the Barrow River during the the canals, but bargetrip.ie have a great weed is not to overcome the waterways. The summer. Fergal’s promotion of the waterway business going in Sallins with day trips on worst of the problem this year was at seems like a worthy cause, and you should their beautifully maintained widebeam Landenstown 17th Lock (simply described as go along and support his efforts there. 18 Autumn 2016 Inland Waterways News

TOWPATH TIM conspicuously in sensitive riverside areas spirit of waterways recovery more alive than where no other construction would ever be along the Newry canal, where IWAI branch permitted. The cure is often worse than the member Peter Maxwell and his team disease, although sympathetic construction welcomed me and showed me the delights with suitable planting would make many of of their waterway. From a starting point at Rubbish Raft these constructions more acceptable. The Scarva, where there is an IWAI Photo: Aisling McCoy extensive tarmac road and constant demonstration space with a wealth of floodlighting of these plants at night is often history of the canal, I headed with bikers SHAREABOAT very intrusive and simply unnecessary. and runners and walkers along miles of well New from Le Boat, formerly Emerald Star, is kept towpath into Portadown, where the that you can now buy and own a boat AISEIRI waterway was alive with canoeists. I met the which they will then maintain and insure for The aptly named Aiseiri (Rise Again) has innovative Bee Keepers at Moneypenny’s you. The deal is that Le Boat will rent out unfortunately not risen, but lies dried out in Lock, and arrived late on the way back but your boat when you are not there, but in Richmond Harbour dry dock. Yes you would the Bothy was still open so I sat and return you will arrive (whenever you wish to be correct in thinking that Richmond watched the IWAI video there. book dates) on your boat to find it fuelled, Harbour is the same dry dock which cleaned, and professionally maintained with Waterways Ireland said could not be used, moorings and insurance all provide free for for safety reasons. Somehow now the dock you. You can choose to keep your boat on has magically become safe for Waterways any of Europe’s Waterways, and this may be Ireland to dry out the Aiseiri. But of course a great attraction for Irish boaters who want as the dock is now permanently occupied, to keep a boat abroad but do not want to then it will not be of any use to any other handle all the formalities required there, waterways users. It is unfortunate that the especially in a foreign language. Email: original concept of energising communities Moneypenny’s Bothy [email protected] for more information. along the canalside has failed, and the Athy group who worked so hard to refurbish the BANANAS ON THE SHANNON barge have had to hand it over to IWAI member George Beattie cycled along The banana boat business has certainly Waterways Ireland as it has not been with me the following day and we stopped taken off in Carrick on Shannon, with stag possible for them to manage the boat off at Acton Visitors Centre to meet the IWAI and hen parties going afloat at speed to themselves. Ironically the Carlow born volunteers who man the operation there splash about and ultimately take a bath in Saoirse ar an Uisce boat is now moored in every weekend. Acton beats Dunrovin any the inland waterways of Ireland. It’s certainly Athy, having herself failed to manage a day, because Acton is not just a plan - it is another way of enjoying the waterways, and business in Carlow. Here’s hoping that her now a reality. The refurbished cottage is run brings new life to the river as crowds line the stay in Athy is more successful, and that one as an IWAI information centre displaying the banks to get a good view. day the Aiseiri might return to join her on history of the canal and other Waterways of the Barrow. Incorporating such high speed pursuits with Ireland. There is a conference room with the calm life of cruisers – and even rowers – projection facilities, and bathrooms which probably needs more guidance and are maintained for all users of the towpath. regulation though, before someone gets The pathway has been completed right into hurt. Seaside resorts often mark out areas Newry, with several lock gates already for powerboats as separate from swimmers restored by IWAI and work underway to re- or slower craft, and it must surely be time to water more sections of the canal. So much consider this sort of guidance on all our restoration has been achieved by so few, Saoirse Ar An Uisce inland waterways. Still, I was impressed with that it is inspiring to visit and experience the the cleanliness of the River Shannon, such SUMMER ON THE GREEN regeneration. The canal is very accessible by that people were willing to plunge into it. I Having discussed waterways weeds car, or on foot, or bring a bike if you want to recall many years ago when falling in the elsewhere, it is now time to discuss slime. cover the whole route in one weekend. IWAI river at Carrick on Shannon was not That green covering on the canal at Grand members there are always ready to welcome recommended, and would result in a Canal at Portobello this summer, which you. I recommend that you meet them at stomach pump out. Some of this new seems a little off putting to those enjoying a Scarva first, because the IWAI interpretive environmental regulation is finally having refreshing drink on the bank. The causes centre there has great coffee and cream effect, and the river is much cleaner now. cakes to start your tour. may be the same as weed, and maybe a little more boat movement along the canal SUMMER ENDS GRANGE WATERWORKS, would help clear up the problem. In these As the heatwave we have enjoyed comes to NORTH RIVER SHANNON days of environmental consideration, it a seasonal end, it’s time to get back to A waterborne rather than towpath trip lead seems like a subject ideal for a post graduate reality, which includes the associated effects me to the village (or is it even just a student. Until there is more study done, I of climate change. Winter gales will blow settlement?) of Grange at the northern end wouldn’t be in a hurry to dip my legs over stronger, and floods will rise higher. It’s time of the Shannon, where the green landscape the side for a paddle. Of course the root to check your fenders and mooring ropes is undergoing massive excavation works. cause in this case could actually be the beer again, and don’t forget to allow slack for the Locals tell me the work is connected with a which people are spilling into the canal, inevitable water level rise. Close off the sewage works, but it certainly appeared given that the problem seems very localised. water cocks and drain off water systems for excessive in scale for the small local the frosty days ahead. A final check while population. It might be that Grange, same as DUNROVIN IS UP AND the evenings are bright is a good idea, and Dublin, is about to get a waterworks which RUNNING maybe one final weekend day of winterising will serve much more than their own local As one of those ‘things I must do sometime’, before the winter’s storms arrive. area. Planning for treatment plants seems to a trip along the Newry canal made a perfect assume that treatment of the waste water is start to the waterways season. To start with, Text and Photos: Towpath Tim the only environmental concern, so that you don’t need a boat, as they are a little (except as noted) many plants are eyesores, constructed short of water up there. But nowhere is the Inland Waterways News Autumn 2016 19

GREEN & SILVER HENRIK IBSEN ON IRElAND’S CANAlS, SPRING 2015 We stayed for a few days at the 12th Lock, meant that we had to pay with our WI-card Kare Bye continues his account of the Green on several doors before we found one that & Silver circumnavigation aboard the Baystar, taking sight-seeing trips by train into Dublin worked with a real working toilet behind it. Henrik Ibsen. The last episode, saw them City. Then we found a couple of friendly When we asked the local WI representative, squeezing under Sherriff Street Bridge at the locals who offered to help us through the we were told that the service block had been start of the Royal Canal Deep Sinking (notorious for mattresses in propellers etc), and we passed without broken into a couple of weeks ago, and no problems of any kind. one had bothered to mend it afterwards. At Louisa Bridge the Roman bath was Moyvalley admired, even though it was dry, but the small waterfall makes no impression on Norwegians. Further to Carton House Gate, which was a let down because it's too far to walk from the canal to the Castle, and because there was a wedding there and so Squeezing under Sherriff St. Bridge was not particularly inviting for boaters. We had decided to spend a few days at Ashtown, and stopped there while the rest In Moyvalley a good quantity of boats lay of the boats from Spencer Dock continued along the canal – several nice narrowboats westward. We were to meet several of them and barges, all well kept, but not all seemed along the Royal later in the week. to have been moved lately. The one pub we found was very nice with good beer, but the sun shone, and then most things will appear quite positive. Likewise the Hills of Down. Beautiful place – Maynooth, however, was great. Massive in we had ice cream on the deck in the sunset. culture and history, Maynooth was the They had posters up saying that they had Ashtown capital for a period in the late Middle Ages, won the Tidy Towns Award, but there was and there are lines of memorials not a single waste basket to be seen. When commemorating fighting between the we enquired at the pub, we were told to Ashtown Harbour is a beautiful and idyllic take our rubbish to the next village and spot – lavish outdoor areas with various various powers. The sun shone, and after the leave it there. We were wondering? park-related environments – and there are museums we found a nice pavement several great nightspots nearby. restaurant. I’m sorry to say, here some of the Mullingar Unfortunately the Skipper was invited and crew enjoyed a cold beer more than the old enticed to a jolly evening in the nearest castle walls. We were, moreover, approached establishment, and when he returned, by old friends bringing an accordion and someone had moved the earth from the music to the boat. dock’s flowerbeds onto Henrik's front deck At Killcock we were warned that there was and loosened the mooring ropes. It was not an international fishing competition along as dramatic as it may sound, as the massive the canal, so we were asked to wait to reeds and other nasties, and lack of current proceed until after 17.00. It looked a in the canal, prevented the boat from pleasant spot, we moored and had a picnic moving. A broom was enough to sweep the on the green. When we went on, we Mullingar. Great town, great shopping, nice flower soil overboard, but when the new realized that the message was a bit wrong, people and great food and drink. It was also crew arrived, we called WI and quickly as before the break we had passed a long here that we found the most shopping carts moved up to Castleknock and the 12th row of fishermen who were quite annoyed in the canal, plus several bikes. WI were Lock, which is known as a quiet and because they had to pull their rods back to afraid of vandalism in the marina, and we peaceful place. On the way we passed the let us pass. After the break there was no got a loan of the key to the padlock so biggest traffic system this country can trace of any event on. We had thus been unauthorized persons could not get in. But muster, where the canal runs on a bridge passing the competition before we were then came one of the boats we had become with roads on other bridges above and notified. familiar with in Spencer Dock, and they were below us. Amazing. also out for the evening. We had only one Enfield is an idyllic place, where well- key between us. What should we do? It meaning authorities and volunteers joined turned out that the buddies from Spencer 12th Lock forces and created a very nice marina. Dock had a similar padlock with several keys, Unfortunately this happened a few years ago so we replaced WI’s padlock with the private and the decay has now set in. The lawns one for the evening. The following day, were still nicely mown, but everything else before we had switched back, there arrived a was overgrown, and we found only one third boat whose crew wanted to get out toilet, no working shower, and there were through the gate. They complained loudly no signs on the doors. Like in Banagher, this that WI had swapped the locking system as 20 Autumn 2016 Inland Waterways News

GREEN & SILVER red dust as far as the eye can see. Our boat is covered in dust that we bring with us all the way home. At Cloondara and Richmond Harbour we are greeted by old friends, and celebrate our safe return on board their boat. There are several options here, e.g.a trad-music night in one of the pubs. The WI-service block works just great, hot water in the showers and all, but there are far too many boats here. The marina is filled with long-time- moored boats, boats where there are no sign of life. They probably live in Dublin and leave their boats here for months. The boats are located along the quay where there are taps with water, electricity outlets and pump- outs, so these facilities are blocked and Ballinacargy become unavailable for tourists like us. Very regrettable. The same phenomenon we saw their key did not fit anymore. We were joking, this is not steep, at least not to in Shannon Harbour, Hazelhatch and unusually quiet until they were gone. Norwegians – the landscape is almost as flat Lowtown. as before on both sides, and although the After a last crew change in Mullingar, we Skipper climbed on top of the wheelhouse Nevertheless we would love to come back went further west. Coolahay is obviously with the camera, there was not anything here to Richmond Harbour. It is a great place much used for walks and outings in the area that looked like a lake on the horizon, even to stay with the boat, one of the finest and as they had a large party lawn with though the weather was clear. Idyllic rural nicest along the Shannon, though it is barbecue equipment and benches. We district with horses grazing under big trees technically on the Royal, leading down to bought scones and coffee from the café in on open fields, it was stunningly beautiful the Camlin River. the lockkeeper’s house. anyway. The next day we locked down to the Camlin Ballinacargy has an even larger marina with We passed Foigha Bridge and were nearing River and headed north along the Shannon. canal lock and reservation for ducks. Big Begnagh Bridge. Here the weeds were so We filled up with 143 litres of diesel in posters advise ‘No shooting allowed!’. The dense and impenetrable that we sent the Roosky without knowing that the station's service block is apparently not widely used – first mate ashore with ropes over his proprietor was away and that the ‘clerk’ was it had a permanent notice that the key could shoulder to get some progress in moving the a passerby who thought it looked like we be retrieved at the petrol station at the other boat. We also met a Waterways Patroller needed help with the filling. We didn’t end of the village. proceed until the owner arrived and got who was sorry about the situation. He had Abbyshrule has a wonderful old aquaduct ordered cutting and removing of weeds paid. where both the canal and the municipal road more than a month ago, but did not get an No great further adventures on the way to cross the river. A very idyllic and interesting answer from Dublin. Carrick-on-Shannon, where we arrived on 19 monastery garden was explored, with parts We moored at a suitable quay while the June. of a dilapidated convent on the site. On the Patroller blocked off the main road and lifted canal bank is a cozy pub with great food. the bridge so we could pass under. It strikes Summary: It went too quickly, we could have We enjoyed watching old folks feeding the us that all the hours we have received spent much more time along the canals and appreciative ducks. Like taken right out of an various services from WI must constitute exploring the little villages. old fairytale. more than ten times the amount we paid for Tip to ourselves: Read more about these Ballybrannigan Harbour buildings and the combined year license. We can only wish places before you go there, it pays off as you warehouses go back to the time when the for more boats on the canal to generate miss less. canal had plenty of traffic, not least taking more government grants, so the tourist With better cutting and clearing of the passengers with horse-drawn taxis to industry will pick up. floating and growing weeds, the trip would Athlone. Athlone is not far to the south from Soon after, we pass another bridge which is have been perfect. Otherwise, all honours to here. specially designed for the narrow gauge WI, they do their best with limited resources. According to Waterways Ireland’s Guide to railway that transports peat and spreads the Photos: Kare Bye the Royal Canal, here at the Mullawornia Hill the mountain is very steep eastward and almost straight down to the west with stunning views of Lough Ree. They must be Begnagh Bridge Richmond Harbour Inland Waterways News Autumn 2016 21

INDUSTRY NEWS lAUNCH OF ATHy BOAT TOURS Athy Boat Tours celebrated its (Thursday, Friday, Saturday and official launch on Friday, 1 July Sunday). 5 hour tour available on 2016. Athy Boat Tours, owned request. Private groups can book and managed by Athy Enterprise Monday, Tuesday and Centre is a community based Wednesday. Add a picnic basket project that is a hugely exciting for €10 per person or bring your addition to Athy. The official own. Tea/coffee are provided launch was attend by a large complimentary. gathering of people including Mayor of Kildare Ivan Keatley Athy Boat Tours are licenced by who was very happy to cut the the Department of the Marine to ribbon and spray some carry 12 passengers and are champagne in his first official wheelchair accessible, with a engagement in his new role. wheelchair accessible toilet. Athy Boat Tours are very lucky to Athy Boat Tours are ready to have the choice of waters it take your booking for a birthday, wishes to navigate, with the anniversary, family day out, staff River Barrow and Grand Canal party, corporate event or team flowing through Athy. Currently building day. Freedom on the Athy Boat Tours are touring on Water is the perfect venue for the River Barrow. Tours take your next meeting. While the place on Thursday, Friday, boat is moored we can facilitate Saturday and Sunday. Athy Boat up to 25 persons. Tours provides 1 hour, 3 hour Check out Athy Boat Tours at and 5 hour tours. www.athyboattours.ie, Athy Boat 1 hour departs 10am and 12pm Tours Facebook page. Contact us Charles Lawn, WI; Peter Carey, CEO Kildare Co Co; Joe Boland, by [email protected] or Athy Town Manager; Ivan Keatley, Mayor of Kildare. and costs €10 per person, 3 hour departs 2pm and costs €20 087 4335350. Photo: Athy Boat Tours per adult €12 per child IWAI contacts BRANCH CONTACTS FOIGHA-KEENAGH: Gerry O’Hara Tel: +353 (0)86 605 5322 Note: General branch e-mail are received by all e-mail e-mail: [email protected] literate officers and other nominees of that branch. ATHLONE: Birgitte Benson KILDARE: Alan Kelly who’s who in the association Tel: +353 (0)87 6606714 Tel: +353 (0)86 832 6275 e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] The website includes a contact form www.iwai.ie BARROW: John Dimond LAGAN: Terry Needham Central phone numbers PUBLIC RELATIONS: Tel: +353 (0)87 212 1161 Tel +44(0)28 9187 2138 ROI: Lo-call 1890 924 991 Alan Kelly e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] NI: 028 38325329 Tel: +353 (0)86 832 6275 Int: +353 (0)91 589333 e-mail: [email protected] BELTURBET: Lorraine McGettingan LOUGH DERG: Carmel Byrne Tel: +44 (0)75 1875 9217 Tel: +353 (0)86 813 0530 HON SECRETARY: EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] Kay Baxter Brian Cassells 24 Ashfield, Boyle, Co. Roscommon Tel: +44 (0)28 3832 5329 BOYLE RIVER: Kay Baxter LOUGH ERNE: Frank Woods Tel: +353 (0)87 982 5520 e-mail: [email protected] Tel: +353 (0)87 982 5520 Tel: +44 (0)7766 026306 e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] Kevin Clabby PRESIDENT: Tel: +353 (0) 86 258 8334 BOYNE NAVIGATION: John Dolan e-mail: [email protected] Seamus Costello NORTH BARROW: Kathleen Cross Tel: +353 (0)86 897 9632 Tel: +353(0)87 994 5764 e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] Martin Donnelly VICE-PRESIDENT: Tel: +353 (0)86 254 7827 Alan Kelly e-mail: [email protected] CARRICK-ON-SHANNON: NEWRY: Tom Johnston Tel: +353(0)86 832 6275 Patricia Byron Tel: +44 (0)77 4227 7775 e-mail: [email protected] Tel: +353 (0)86 215 4585 e-mail:[email protected] Jean Kennedy e-mail: [email protected] PAST PRESIDENT: Tel: +353 (0)87 207 8102 (after 6.00pm) OFFALY: Alan Hughes Carmel Meegan e-mail: [email protected] COALISLAND CANAL: Tel: +353 (0)87 683 3600 e-mail: [email protected] Tel: +353(0)86 860 8890 Tony Byron James Walsh Tel +44 (0)771 164 9717 e-mail: [email protected] Tel: +353 (0)86 804 5139 e-mail: [email protected] POWERBOAT: Paul Garland HON TREASURER: e-mail: [email protected] Tel: +353 (0)86 821 7712 e-mail: [email protected] John Martin CORRIB: Zara Brady Tel: +353 (0)87 244 8967 WEBMASTER Tel: + 353 (0)87 237 1719 RBLNA: Alastair Uprichard e-mail: [email protected] Colman Byrne e-mail: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0)28 3833 5570 Tel: +353 (0)87 242 6960 e-mail: [email protected] MEMBERSHIP REGISTRAR: e-mail: [email protected] CRUISING CLUB: Mary Healy Michael Geraghty Tel: +353 (0)87 2871644 SHANNON HARBOUR: Crannog, Kilgobbin Road IWN Editor: e-mail: [email protected] Damien Buckley Sandyford Colin Becker Tel: +353 (0)87 805 7410 Dublin 18 Tel: +353 (0)91 589 333 DUBLIN: Declan Enright e-mail: [email protected] Tel: +353 (0)83 421 5506 e-mail: [email protected] Tel: +353 (0)87 676 1379 SLANEY: Catherine Malone e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] Tel: +353 (0)87 220 2930 e-mail: [email protected] 22 Autumn 2016 Inland Waterways News

GOING WITH THE FLOW the tap, and one of them was squatting awkwardly trying to fit the hose. The problem became apparent – the taps here still have the small bore screw yoke that none of us have fittings for, unlike other harbours on the system. The poor folk were reduced to holding the hose to the tap, water leaking everywhere, knees no doubt giving way. The harbour is, obviously open (having been closed for the winter), otherwise I wouldn’t be writing what I’ve written, but works in the car park are ongoing – it’s being extended back into the grassy area to create a new space for camper vans. Construction fencing Entrance/Exit to Castle Harbour blocks off the car park from the wall, which means the toilet WIND AND THE beguiling about it that it’s was the alluring package of the block is also out of bounds. impossible to leave. Maybe it’s Forest Park and Aldi, bicycles FAERIES the faeries living in the Forest making a round trip to both an Ah yes, the wall. It’s a very fine At least the boat got a thorough Park who creep aboard your easy option. An added bonus is new wall, built on top of the old wash coming down the lake boat at night and sprinkle tiny that rucksacks as the only one and clad in stone. It’s too from Portumna, straight into a enchanted chains around your carriers limit the purchase of high to sit on, too low to lean Force 4 with a non-functioning ropes and toss ‘don’t go’ spells non-essentials (inline skates, glue on, and has a curved top so you windscreen wiper. That’ll teach through your open cabin gun assortment etc.) can’t put your mug of tea on it. I us to sleep late and not check windows. wonder has this been done on the forecast until about to set I was having a cup of tea and purpose, although I hadn’t out. Too long spent on the North That’s how our plans to stay the watching the goings-on realised that people sitting or Shannon where the wind doesn’t one night and move off the opposite. The crew of a hire boat leaning on a wall could be a matter so much. following morning were stymied. were trying to fill up with water. nuisance. Part of the trouble was that They’d located the tap, cunningly It was coming up to midday and people we hadn’t seen for years hidden beneath the new seat set However, the good news is that we were saying our goodbyes to arrived throughout the day – into the new wall (more of the horrid concrete fingers with other boaters when I finally part of a cruise in company from which shortly), had the hose the separate concrete lump at checked Met Éireann on my Kildare and Offaly. Then there stretched along the paving to the end have now been joined phone. The Inland Lakes forecast together and encased in timber, advised the wind would be Force 3 in the morning, strengthening to Force 4 at noon, southeasterly veering to west. I looked out of the saloon window to see the ensign on the boat next door flicker and come to life. The wind whistled its derision through the open window – should have checked earlier! At twelve on the dot the cat’s paws pattering into Portumna Harbour changed to a heavy lion’s tread. The wind had arrived, and, most astonishingly, Met Éireann was absolutely spot on. We’d come up the lake two days previously, had a peek into Terryglass (no hope, late on Friday), and gone across to Portumna Castle. I think Portumna Castle Harbour is Re-worked fingers bewitched. There’s something so Inland Waterways News Autumn 2016 23

GOING WITH THE FLOW burly men were manhandling a Rowing barges is not, of course, heavy-looking craft upriver using anything new. Bargemen, more only oars. ‘It must be a race,’ properly known as Watermen said Joe, and he was right. There and Lightermen, have been were a dozen of these small doing it for centuries. Such barges, some of them weaving romantic names, so resonant of about, the copious other river the past, but still very much part traffic coming unnervingly close. of the Thames. Before the At the bow of each barge two Romans built the first of the men heaved on an oar apiece, London bridges, wherries were the oars the size of a small tree. the only way of getting across At the stern was another fellow, the river. Apparently in 1598 his small tree acting as rudder. some 40,000 men earned a Thames barges What was going on? living from the river. We’d come across the 41st Passenger carriers were looking great and proving very Thames Historic Barge Rowing Watermen and Lightermen functional. Lovely new paving is EVERyTHING IS Race. These boats weigh thirty carried goods and cargoes. Or so much nicer under bare feet BIGGER THERE tons, and their crews row them rather Watermen carry than the old ridged concrete. I Joe and I were in London, and as over a seven mile course. It passengers and Lightermen carry was also most grateful for the always ended up by the river. begins at Greenwich Pier, finishes goods. Present tense. They’re still very helpful sign at the bottom We’d hired Boris Bikes, the at Westminster Bridge, and takes there. In 1555 The Company of of the steps leading from fabulous public bicycle hire about 90 minutes. The barges Watermen and Lightermen of harbour to road, advising that scheme, and had been buzzing ride tidal river currents upriver. It the River Thames was born. A bit this is both the entrance and the around the City. It was Saturday, sounds terrifying and looks of a mouthful, but this guild is exit. so the commercial Square Mile brutal. still in existence today. A group had a hushed, almost eerie Too much griping. It’s still one of quality about it. We’d slotted the The event is run by the Thames of its members was responsible my favourite harbours. So it was bikes back into one of the many Barge Driving Trust, and its aims for setting up the precursor to Sunday lunchtime when we docking stations and were include encouraging the use of the Thames Barge Driving Trust finally got away, battering into walking across Southwark vessels for commercial services in 1974. the waves coming up the lake. Bridge, heading for Borough on the Thames, showcasing the Barges being rowed up the I’d swear Winter Solstice loved Market and some street food. skills of the boatmen and Shannon. Now that would be a the challenge. And thankfully we Leaning on the bridge I said teaching young people about sight. remembered to close the ‘What on earth’s that?’. Five tide sets and barge driving. forecabin windows. FOllOWING SCOTT-JAMES by Terry Morahan correspondence and the Ulster Canal, whereas the other hand, September was I found out she we were able to use the the driest on record, so reducing was Scott- Shannon Erne waterway (then navigability on the Lagan and James’ known as the Ballinamore – the Ulster Canal and with little daughter! Ballyconnell canal). assistance down the Shannon Anne’s first The photograph shows the from the current. husband was halfway point with my son, MacDonald Chris, and myself at Carrick The canoe trail on the Hastings and Rowing Club with 120km gone Blackwater was of exceptional their son Max and 100km to go. standard, with easy launching was to become and information boards. On the the famous The route followed was as other hand, the Shannon-Erne waterway was very canoe- In 1910, a book was published, editor and follows… unfriendly and, according to entitled An Englishman in military historian. For some years, • a token paddle on the Lagan regulations, the locks were not Ireland. The author was R. A. I had been planning to replicate • a paddle from Maghery up to be used by canoes. This Scott-James (1878-1959). The the canoe journey and finally resulted in some heavy lifting of book recounts, in somewhat everything fell into place in the Blackwater to Moy the canoe and luggage. flowery language, a trip by September 2014 when my large • portage to the River Finn at Canadian canoe from Belfast to son and I started the canoe trip, Wattle Bridge The trip was a wonderful Banagher, just south of Athlone launching at the first locks now • down the River Finn through experience, and we often felt on the Shannon system. Scott- occupied by Belfast Boat Club, upper Lough Erne and like medieval pilgrims as James was accompanied by an but where in past times the through the Shannon-Erne whenever we told anybody our unnamed companion. horses that powered the Lagan waterway to Carrick-on- story at the locks, food and drink barges were quartered. Shannon (four days in total) would come our way! A typical My attempt at finding out more day was six hours paddling, at information on Scott-James was The journey by Scott-James • followed by three days hard five kilometres per hour. When I met with limited success until could not be exactly replicated paddling from Carrick-on- was asked where was our while listening to BBC Radio 4’s due to various navigational Shannon to Athlone engine, I pointed at my son, Desert Island Discs, the guest changes. In particular, Scott- We were blessed with saying it was ‘front-wheel drive’. was an Anne Scott-James the James was able to use the now- exceptional weather – mild, once famous journalist; via closed Lagan Navigation Canal sunny, and with little wind. On 24 Autumn 2016 Inland Waterways News

RCAG NEWS Royal Canal Report By Derek Whelan local Blanchardstown musicians. Thanks to Noel Spaine and family who continue to do the Musicians at the Mid summer night Walk organising for this popular event. SMART TAGS For the past few months we have been working on a project to install a ‘smart tag’ system at selected points along the Royal Canal, initially from Dublin to Maynooth. We can now report Mullingar in late June, we have that the system has been rolled made a submission on the out as far as Mullingar. Anyone proposed revised Canal Bye with an NFC app on their Laws. RCAG have consulted with smartphone can scan these tags boat owners on the Royal and and access information relating would like to see the present to the location. It is hoped to uncertainty resolved with new extend the scheme further to rules which will meet the needs Richmond Harbour by year’s end. of all parties. HERITAGE WEEK Mullingar and Ballymahon. A For further information check meal at the Richmond Inn was This year RCAG will undertake a enjoyed by all and the night out: royalcanal.ie/activities/how- For more information see our total of 14 guided walks on both concluded with music and songs to-use-our-smart-tags/ website: www.royalcanal.ie the Royal and Grand Canals in provided by Gerry Fitzpatrick and Photos: Derek Whelan Dublin during Heritage Week. Christy Dempsey. WI SUBMISSION The Royal walks will be between In response to a meeting with Binn’s Bridge and the Royal A future bus trip is planned for Waterways Ireland held in George Reservoir in Blessington Saturday 24 Sept, again from St while the Grand walks will be Longwood, followed by a 10km UlSTER CANAl FORUM Ashtown and Maynooth to from Mount St Bridge to Ringsend Basin. Our 5 walks last walk to Enfield and a pick-up for year attracted 180 participants. the return journey Full details of all walks may be found on the Heritage Week MID SUMMER NIGHT website: www.heritageweek.ie WAlK Another tradition on the Royal BUS TRIP for over 30 years has been the After an absence of 20 years annual walk from Ashtown to RCAG decided to revive what Twelfth Lock held on the evening was for many years an annual of 21 June. This year was event. On Saturday 25 June a unusual in that there were 2 party of 42 people left Ashtown ‘longest days’ but we stuck with and Maynooth for a visit to the 21st. The walk concluded Richmond Harbour, stopping off with treats for the children and a on the way at Thomastown, traditional music session from Ulster Canal near Monaghan On Monday 15 August The Minister Start – The Stormont Agreement for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Implementation Plan.’ and Gaeltacht Affairs, Heather The membership of the Forum will Humphreys TD, and the Minister for comprise of two elected members Infrastructure, Chris Hazzard, MLA and one official from Monaghan announced the establishment of County Council, Cavan County the Ulster Canal Advisory Forum. Council, Fermanagh and Omagh The purpose of the Forum is to District Council as well as senior consider options for advancing the officials from the Department of Ulster Canal project and to examine Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and possible funding mechanisms, Gaeltacht Affairs, including existing funding streams the Department for Infrastructure as well as the potential to leverage and Waterways Ireland. Interested funding from other sources. The stakeholders from other Forum will have regard to the organisations will be invited to review of the Ulster Canal being attend meetings of the Forum as taken forward by the Northern appropriate. Ireland Executive and the Irish Bus Trip song from Michael Flynn. Government as set out in ‘A Fresh Inland Waterways News Autumn 2016 25

lOUGH ERNE nEws FROM MERVYN ROLLS UlSTER CANAl VISIT provision of suitable jetties. This For our second event of 2016 is a very attractive wooded area, Mervyn Rolls was asked to well worth opening up for undertake the organisation. visitors by boat. From Derrykerrib Having read and heard about we re-boarded the coach taking the work being carried out by us to the Scout Centre, where Waterways Ireland at the start of we were met by Paul Mulligan of the Ulster Canal where it leaves Cavan County Council. He took Lough Erne, he thought let us us on foot to see Castle go and see it. Saunderson which although now abandoned, could be restored So on 11 June around 35 Meeting at the Big Fish for use. We then went on to see members met up at Belturbet, the very interesting Estate some arriving by boat, others by large oil drilling rigs owned by Church, which is in use, and lAGAN VISIT Fred Olsen, new berths for car. After a light lunch, we contains many wall plaques in To start off our programme of passenger ferries, and the work boarded a coach at 2pm to take memory of the deceased summer events 2016, John Weir, under way to dock ocean cruise us to the Canal Stores at Clones, members of the Saunderson now our chairman, organised an liners. where Dawn Livingstone, CEO of family. evening visit to the Lagan and Waterways Ireland gave a talk on Afterwards we returned to Titanic Quarter area of Belfast Altogether a very interesting the works that have been disperse at Belturbet after a for 16 May. The MV Joyce had cruise, and on termination we all planned. Afterwards the coach surprisingly successful event, been booked to leave for our collected our cars and moved to took us close to the Derrykerrib greatly helped by good weather, cruise at 7.30pm, and it was Cutters Wharf, the restaurant Bridge, which we understood the support of those attending, easy to get people to congregate adjacent to the Lagan, for a very was to be raised to allow boats and the co-operation and at the well known mark of the good evening meal. It is hoped headroom. However this is not assistance of Dawn Livingstone ‘Big Fish’ on Donegal Quay, next of course that work will soon practical, so a new channel has and Brian Mullan with their staff to a very handy car park. get under way to alter the to be cut and bridged at a more at Waterways Ireland, staff from Stranmillis Weir and lock, which suitable point. Looking at the We had 35 passengers on the will enable cruising boats to terrain showed the task this is the Scout Centre and Cavan boat plus the crew who used the access more of the River Lagan, going to be. County Council, the staff at the public address system for the adding to the interest of all Canal Stores Clones, Kevin Fay’s commentary. This was very things afloat. The second works phase is to Coaches, and the Seven informative as Belfast Port has give access for all standard Horseshoes Hotel in Belturbet. been greatly cleaned up and Thanks are due to the watercraft to the Castle Photos: Mervyn Roll now contains several interesting organisation team, the staff of Saunderson Scout Centre, with sites, such as the Titanic Quarter the MV Joyce, and all those who building, HMS Caroline, two very attended. Estate Church Aboard MV Joyce Oil rigs Castle Saunderson 26 Autumn 2016 Inland Waterways News

BOyNE bAnTER FROM MYLES BRADY RESTORATION OFFSITE ACTIVITIES PROGRESS Once more, the branch was The ‘turf lock’ tailgates for the strongly represented at the upper end of the Oldbridge annual ‘Irish Maritime Festival’ section of the navigation, which which was held on Drogheda’s are in storage in our quays over two days, on construction yard, have had Saturday and Sunday, 9 and 10 adjustments made to the July. As in previous years, the running gear of the sluices, and IWAI trailer featured prominently have been painted, and are now as the centre of our operations, ready for installation in the lock. and with a continuously running We hope to install these gates film of our restoration activities before the canal water levels along the Navigation, begin rising above Summer distribution of publicity material, levels, during the next month or and exhibition of a not yet so. When the gates have been launched boat, beautifully made installed, the concrete wall at by the students of St. Oliver’s the west end of the lock can be Community College, there was Marine Festival Stand demolished, giving access into great interest in our restoration the river from this section of the work by the general public. catering staff, and even if you canal. Careful planning of the CAll TO NEWCOMERS cannot attend for the whole day, best method of removing this The branch was also heavily The main activity of the ‘Boyne we would love to see you at the wall is presently being discussed involved with RTE in the Navigation, IWAI’ has always lunch at 1.00pm for a chat and with specialised contractors. organisation and filming of been, since the establishment of to let you see the kind of work material to be transmitted as the branch, the restoration of we are involved in. No matter On the next upstream canal part of the ‘Nationwide’ the Boyne Navigation between what your abilities, there is work section of the Navigation at programme on, we are told, Drogheda and Navan, in County to suit all hands! We have the Stalleen Lower, some further Friday, 19 August. Several of our Meath. The most important materials and the equipment – work has been done on the members spent the day on aspect of our restoration all we need are the hands and repair and repointing of the Tuesday, 12 July with the RTE activities has always been our enthusiasm to use them! stone bank retaining, or ‘wash’ crew at the restored ‘sea-lock’ at fortnightly on-site workparties, wall above the lock. Oldbridge, and brought them up at which the practical on-site So, if you would like to take part Reinstatement of this wall is now the canal in two boats - one for work of restoring the ‘Boyne in any of our workparties, you almost completed, with only the cameras, and the other for Navigation’ is carried out by our can find details of dates, times, some finishing work along the the ‘interviewees’. The weather hardworking volunteers! and exact location along the top of the wall remaining. could not have been better - waterway on our website Planning of access to the lock beautiful sunshine showing the Newcomers are always www.boyne.iwai.ie. If you are for the transport to, and canal and surroundings at their particularly welcome as we interested, you should consult installation of the lock gates in very best. It remains to be seen always need more volunteers to the website within three days of the lock is presently in progress. how much of the filmed material become involved in the the expected date, bearing in Particular thanks must go to our will be used! restoration work. The more mind that the workparties take planning subcommittee for all hands we have, the more place every second Saturday, and the effort that is going into the Photos: Seamus Costello progress can be made! A ‘soup that times, and venues along the planning of this part of the and sandwiches’ lunch is waterway can vary, depending restoration. provided to all workparty on weather conditions, and participants by our hardworking other logistical factors. Painting the Gates Nationwide filming Inland Waterways News Autumn 2016 27

BElTURBET bAnTER FROM LORRAINE MCGETTIGAN Lisnaskea Boat Club. BElTURBET RIVERSIDE In relation to the much needed service block, we are hopeful that this will go ahead. Cavan County Council have advised that they are willing to provide 80% of the funding for this, but that the branch will have to foot the balance. There is, however, a dispute regarding first registration of the land at the appointed area. Unfortunately, this issue will have to be resolved before planning can commence. Tanya Beattie Carson, Matt Brady & Irene Mitchell at the Erne Rally MINI BOAT RAlly 51 ERNE BOAT RAlly money collected is donated to This year's mini boat rally is due Talented young ladies ST This year's main Erne Boat Rally charity. At this year's event, the to take place from 2 to 4 was held between 27 & 30 May. total money raised was €2360. September commencing on It took us to various venues The money was divided, with Friday at Carrybridge Hotel. we look forward to another fun between Belturbet and Belleek €1360 being donated to Tom's Saturday will take us for a cruise filled, enjoyable weekend. Of and back again. As expected, a Walking Wish and the remaining and on to overnight stop at course, good weather again will very enjoyable weekend was had amount of €1000 to Alzheimer's Lisnaskea Boat Club. The help us on our way. by all, helped along of course in Cavan. Well done to Matt and weekend will conclude on Photos: Lorraine McGettigan with the fantastic weather we Carmel on the success of this Sunday in Belturbet. As always, experienced. Congratulations to trip, and may it continue to this year's commodore Tanya succeed in the future. The night Beattie Carson on a very was livened up with some BREXIT. successful event. Of course, not excellent Irish music played by forgetting, Vice Commodore very talented young ladies and Matt Brady and Rear finished up with music and song Commodore Irene Mitchell for from some of our own branch Shifty says….. their input also. talent. The barbecue at Gaeglum also MATT'S BARBECUE provided the perfect platform for end of the Woodford, and at Matt Brady's now yearly a very special 'surprise' birthday Foalie’s Bridge where those savvy barbecue was held on Saturday party for our former secretary boaters looking for a bargain could 9 July at Gaeglum Quay. The Brenda, organised for her by our pick up some red diesel, green event has been extremely chairman Cathal (Honey). We all diesel and maybe even some not successful for the past number got the opportunity to celebrate quite white diesel. With different of years. The barbecue itself is with Brenda and enjoy some VAT rates and maybe no tax at all, manned by the very capable tasty ‘cocktails’ including red, business could be great. chef...Matt...with a little help green and laundered diesel. I'm Some boaters of the local species from his wife Carmel (Oakport). sure our chairman would be can remember a time many years It has been a very popular outing happy to oblige if anybody ago when there was a border in the past and growing ever would like the recipes for these!! check- point at Aghalane, but even more so year to year. Donations with that there was always the are made in lieu of food and a The weekend concluded with possibility of some trade in charity auction is carried out. All another enjoyable night at contraband. Not far up the road to Derrylin there was a wee filling station where many from the Republic could get a bargain - cheap cigarettes, petrol, condoms and other gadgets. There have been sightings of men With the prospect of barriers at the and women huddled alongside the end of the Woodford and Foalie’s, river at Belturbet. Many are saying retired Gardai and Customs men it'll be a disaster for the country, and women may be canvassed for and cataclysmic for the waterways. their availability to return to reserve However, whenever there are duty. difficulties there are also Where will it all end? opportunities. A few local Branch talent entrepreneurs have been thinking about a few pop-up shops at the 28 Autumn 2016 Inland Waterways News

BOylE RIVER NEWS FROM KAY BAXTER glass, plastic bottles and aluminium cans so why not provide the facilities for them to do so and reduce the cost of the waste disposal. CRUISE IN COMPANy Our summer cruise in company was to the lovely Lough Key marina. The theme was The Olympics and commodores Kay and Aislinn had organised the Boyle River Olympics in conjunction with Colm from the Woodland Segway in Lough Key Kerplunk! Olympic medal hopefuls Forest Park. Members had two hours of great fun competing suggest it may be the remaining SECRETARy adjacent to the bins until they against each other in Giant post of a marker that is missing We are delighted to welcome were removed on Wednesday 20 Jenga, Kerplunk, Connect 4, in that area. Joan Egan as our new Secretary. July. And when I say removed, I Baggo and Football as you can So boaters beware. If heading Joan has agreed to fill the mean removed……not emptied. see from the photographs. For a position until our AGM in On Wednesday 20 July a notice bargain €10 per person Colm upstream from Carrick on Shannon to Cootehall, when you December. Joan can be reached appeared at the marina from will organise the games and at [email protected] or Waterways Ireland informing scorecards with your logo. enter Drumharlow Lake keep Inishtirra Island on your [email protected] Contact him at boaters that there were no [email protected] for starboard or right. On the return WASTE DISPOSAl AT waste facilities for them in more information. journey keep the island on your lOUGH KEy MARINA Lough Key, and that the nearest port side. waste facilities were in Boyle The weekend of 16/17 July was Harbour or at Knockvicar Bridge. Our games were followed by a MEMBERSHIP one of the warmest of the Seriously? barbecue and then our medal Remember it’s never too late to summer so naturally Lough Key ceremony. Silver stars went to renew your membership for Forest Park and Activity Centre Lough Key is the busiest marina our chairperson Tommy Egan 2016 if you haven’t already done was awash with visitors and the on the North Shannon and for and his doubles partner Debbie, so. Renew online at www.iwai.ie Waterways Ireland jetty at Lough very good reason. It’s a very a guest aboard Ellie Baby. by clicking on the red tab at the Key was full to capacity. It’s attractive destination especially However the gold stars were top of the home page. lovely to see this once under- for families, but families won by Caitriona Gately and Alternatively you can give your utilised amenity proving to be generate waste. Surely it should Declan Haughey aboard membership subscription to our such a strong attraction to both be possible for Waterways Aqualibrium, who were thrilled treasurer, David Eustace. locals and tourists. Ireland, Roscommon County with their victory. So much so Council and Moylurg they were still wearing their gold It’s also important to note that However surely it is possible to Rockingham Ltd to come to stars when they went for coffee members must have their own anticipate that these numbers of some agreement to provide bins to the Lakeside Café on Sunday boat appropriately insured. The people will generate a lot of which will hold the rubbish morning. IWAI insurance policy does not waste. The two wheelie bins generated by both park visitors cover damage to your boat or provided by Waterways Ireland and boaters. The two small bins Sunday also saw most of the damage to anyone else’s boat or for use by boaters were filled to outside the Activity Centre for members take to the forest property in the event of a overflowing (and then some) by park visitors are woefully paths for a 3K or 6K hike after a mishap at any event. the visitors to the park. People inadequate. Also, most people late breakfast, before heading to continued to leave their rubbish base in the afternoon. All in all a Photos: Kay Baxter want to be able to recycle their warm, dry and very enjoyable CIC. What more can you ask for. DRUMHARlOW OBSTRUCTION At the time of writing this we are no nearer pinpointing exactly what is causing all the damage in Drumharlow. Two more vessels have struck in the same area since I last wrote about it, one causing substantial damage to a prop and shaft. The CSIG have very kindly Sunday morning hikers: Billy, Medal Winners Kevin, Finola, Joan and Roxy surveyed the area for us and Inland Waterways News Autumn 2016 29

DOwn On DERG FROM NATALIE MCGOWAN Lough Derg. Further trips across to be opened finally for the the Atlantic followed but his August Bank Holiday weekend White tailed sea eagle Photo: Nigel Beers ambition was to sail solo around but that important holiday the world. Finally after 2 failed weekend came and went and attempts Pat managed to the navigation remained closed. succeed in his quest and after It is incredulous that boats over 3 years away he returned couldn’t travel between Lough safely home in 1996 much to the Derg and the estuary, during the delight and no doubt relief of his busiest time of the summer. family. Waterways Ireland having done Pat sadly passed away in 2010 such good work on other parts but his family were keen to of the waterways have really honour his adventures and dropped the ball on their achievements so, on the 20th handling of the Limerick PAT lAWlESS anniversary of his return to Navigation. 23 July 2016 was the 20th Limerick a website was launched anniversary of the safe return in his memory which contains SCUTTlEBUTT home to Limerick of Pat Lawless, Pat’s sea journals, camcorder Waterways Ireland are planning The Mountshannon Sea Eagles from his singlehanded voyage recordings from sea, newspaper to build a toilet block in failed this year to hatch a chick. around the world. Pat was a articles, correspondence etc. The Dromann Harbour which will There are concerns that the nest long time member of Lough website is fascinating and a must leave Rossmore as the only was disturbed during the crucial Derg IWAI and a well known see for anyone with an interest harbour on the lake without hatching period but it is difficult sailor on the lake. He took part in adventure and following their facilities. to establish exactly what in a number of rallies and was a dreams. Check out happened. This is very much loved character, always www.patlawlesssolocircumnaviga Woodford River remains closed disappointing as previous years ready to share his knowledge of tor.com to navigation probably ‘til have seen the successful hatch sailing. September when the branch will of chicks but there is always next organise some work parties to year. He first sailed solo across the STIll ClOSED remove dead trees and plans are Atlantic in 1986, aged 60, The Limerick navigation, which underway to repair The Conor Damaged breakwater aboard his boat Inis Cealtra was closed in April due to Hogan Jetty. Photo: Pat Lysaght named after Holy Island on infrastructural damage was due Regarding the proposed new RNLI station in Dromineer, apparently progress has been made on the chosen site and the consultants are awaiting input from the Parks and Wildlife service re any environmental issues. In June the High Court refused permission to appeal a decision against an environmental Re-instated jetty Photo: Pat Lysaght challenge to the proposed new bridge in Killaloe. So it looks as if the new bridge and bypass is now set to go ahead. Moving new anchor blocks into position Photo: Pat Lysaght 30 Autumn 2016 Inland Waterways News

OFFAly uPDATE FROM CHRISTINE COLLINS course) sign up now for the The festival is significantly Floating Festival in Tullamore. Cruise in Company from supported by many local For a guide on canal dimensions Shannon Harbour to Tullamore, Community Groups and and tips for boating visit enjoy the two Offaly festival Organisations which allows it to www.iwai.ie/offaly. weekends and visit the punch way above its weight for Anniversary Row Ploughing during the week in such a boutique festival. To register for Cruise in Photo: Christine Collins between from the comfort of Company and Festival: Text Tim your own boat. So put the dates in your diary at 086 8045244 30TH ANNIVERSARy and join the Grand Canal Offaly While crewing with Anne Carr The National Ploughing on Sunday, we came across this Championships is Europe's very low key 30th Anniversary largest Outdoor Exhibition and THE TIMElINES: celebration, it was their first time Agricultural Trade Show. The to all be back in the same boat 85th National Ploughing Sat/Sun 10-11 Sept. Cruise in Company: Shannon Harbour to Tullamore in 30 years. Championships will take place in Fri–Sun 16-18 Sept. Grand Canal Offaly Floating Festival 1st weekend Screggan, Tullamore, Co Offaly The cox (in the bow) is Orla (10 minutes from Tullamore). Tue–Thur 20–22 Sept. National Ploughing Championships Tullamore Manley, behind her is Ciara Ni Bus Eireann shuttle buses - Tullamore to/from Cheilleachair, next, Elma This year’s Grand Canal Offaly Ploughing Site Ravenhill, then Brenda Colgan Floating Festival highlights The Fri–Sun 23-25 Sept. Grand Canal Offaly Floating Festival 2nd weekend and finally in the stern is Cailiosa Era of the Grand Canal Lock- Hickland. The crew was the first Keepers with the Official Offaly Rowing Club crew to win opening by Retired Lock-keeper anything and they won the Irish Patsy Cummins, Lock 29. The KNOW yOUR BOAT COURSE Junior-18 championship in packed programme of events is An Offaly IWAI & Athlone Institute of Technology Learning Event Coxed Four in 1986 – 30 years split over two weekends. The GREAT VAlUE ago. first weekend celebrates the historical canal aspects, the Now entering their twelfth year, the Know Your Boat courses continue to receive Brenda and Cailiosa were in the adjoining communities, high levels of praise from participants. People with a range of different skill levels national squad the next year and businesses and heritage of attend including a growing number of lady skippers taking the courses. Remember Cailiosa was selected to race for Tullamore and an illustrated talk it’s important for both the Skipper and the First Mate to have an understanding of Ireland the following year. Ciara on the history of the Grand their boat. was in the squad as a sculler and Canal Lock-keeper. The second had a distinguished career, weekend has a strong focus on The objectives of the courses are: racing for Ireland on at least 8 the water activities the canal • to enable participants to be familiar and comfortable in maintaining their craft occasions, and winning many offers and also a big small and dealing with maintenance and repairs, mechanical and electrical Irish championships over 20 engine exhibition, the boat components of the boat, including engines, transmissions, controls, electrics, years. jumble and raft race. hull, superstructure, bilges, fittings and weather proofing; SEPTEMBER AGENDA All in all its two packed • to outline how simple service procedures are carried out and enable participants Two Great Festivals and a Cruise weekends including coffee to cut down on running costs by highlighting the importance of good routine in Company: Grand Canal Offaly mornings, Tullamore Dew Lunch, maintenance and demonstrating engine servicing routines with a full size Floating Festival and the National raft race, photography engine; Ploughing Championships, Friday competition, whiskey tasting, • to enable participants to be familiar and comfortable with wintering and new 16 to Sunday 25 September Canadian canoeing, kayaking, season preparations of their boats and be able to troubleshoot in the event of a 2016 canal rowing, canal zorbing, failure historical talks, fishing, cheese The dates for the 2016 courses are Mechanics & Winterisation Course: Sat 5 So! You always wanted to boat and wine reception, Guided Tour November 9.00am to 1.00pm. Electrics Course – Sat 5 November 2.00pm to 6pm on the Grand Canal but not on of Charleville Castle Follies and your own! Nature walk, Tullamore Rhymers The courses are presented by experienced instructors supported by experienced boat users. All courses involve practical demonstration and encourage interaction night and monster barbecue. A You always wanted to go to the new event included is the and discussion on individual’s specific boats National Ploughing vintage engine display featuring Courses will take place in the beautiful restored Harbour Buildings, Kilbeggan Championships but didn’t want a selection of miniature steam the hassle of traffic or finding engines alongside the working The course costs are: accommodation! model of the Offaly IWAI big Bolinder barge engine; there will Mechanics & Winterisation Course: €60 IWAI members, €70 non IWAI members You always wondered what also be the boat jumble sale Electrics Course: €60 IWAI members: €70 non IWAI members happened at the Grand Canal during the festival, so bring Courses 1 & 2 booked together: €110 IWAI members, €130 non IWAI members. Offaly Floating Festival! along your bits to sell or come Contact by Text on 0872509209 to book a place. Advance booking is required. and buy more bits! Early booking advised. Gift Vouchers are available, So kill three birds with one stone (Bring pictures of any equipment on your boat you may wish to discuss) (metaphorically speaking of Inland Waterways News Autumn 2016 31

lAGAN nEws FROM TERRY NEEDHAM years about her future, when there were fears that Belfast might lose her to some other port, the best outcome has been achieved. A restoration project grant aided by the Heritage Lottery Fund as the largest funder, with £11.5 million, is complete. The opening was just in time for the centenary of the Battle of Jutland, 31 May. The battle is famous for being the only engagement of two modern fleets in European waters and Visiting Spanish Arch the biggest ever in numbers: 250 Photo: Colin Becker warships commanded by 25 admirals. Caroline is the sole survivor today. MOUNT STEWART GAlWAy VISIT On the second day of our stay The National Trust modestly Following a very successful Colin very kindly guided a walk Many boaters have adopted LED claims the gardens to be among branch visit to Arklow in 2014 along the quays and the Eglinton lighting for its economy. Recently the best in the world, certainly we decided to venture further Canal. This gave us a fascinating the Commissioners of Irish Lights they must rank very high in afield to Galway on a mid-week insight into an area close to but have installed an LED light in the Ireland. Our visit at the end of break by train. A minor snag in out of sight of the lively city Mew Island lighthouse May was planned to catch the getting across Dublin was the centre. As well as the salmon (Copeland Is. at the entrance to rhododendrons in bloom. In fact inspiration for poetry: fishery operated on an industrial Belfast Lough). The original there are many themed areas of Wee Terry took a taxi scale, a hidden tangle of water Fresnel lens has been acquired garden in the estate. In its early Big Jim he took the train channels powered numerous for the Titanic Quarter and a development the planting of a while Brian Huss just caught a mills. We were very fortunate to design approved for its shelter belt of trees next to the bus and got there just the same! enjoy Colin’s expert local relocation beside the Titanic shores of Strangford Lough adds Altogether a party of fifteen knowledge. Later we took the slipway. to the benefits of a naturally somehow gathered for dinner tourist cruiser Corrib Princess trip mild micro–climate. We also with Colin and Genevieve Becker along the river and briefly into enjoyed a warm sunny day, ideal at our destination, The House the wide expanse of Lough for a leisurely stroll. Hotel. The next day a majority Corrib. travelled to Inishmore via The house itself is one of the Rossaveal for a tour of the island Galway city is a great tourist most lavish NT properties in N. naturally including Dun Aengus. attraction with the Ireland. A television series was A remarkable experience on the pedestrianised area buzzing with filmed to record the major return ferry was an air-sea ‘street-life’ and music for an restoration works carried out to evacuation exercise taking place international crowd. the structure as well as the while the ferry continued at furnishings. Now more rooms cruising speed. A ‘volunteer’ was BElFAST are open to the public than ever first lowered from the helicopter DEVElOPMENTS before and each one has a on to the ship’s deck and then HMS Caroline is at last open to Mew Optic volunteer guide to explain its lifted off again in a stretcher. the public. After some Photo: Titanic Foundation background. Visitor traffic is high This was done very smoothly and uncertainty over the past few and rising. efficiently. HMS Caroline Mexican support for Galway 2020 City of Culture Photo: Portsmouth Historic Dockyard Photo: Terry Needham 32 Autumn 2016 Inland Waterways News

BARROW BULLETIN FROM JOHN O’GORMAN Waterford and the host Graiguenamanagh .The good weather on Sunday brought many visitors to the town and many also opted to stroll the 7km to St Mullins along the Barrow track. Graiguenamanagh becomes the “Town of Books” for the last weekend of August this year when, (if previous years are any indication) every available space in the town will be taken over by book sellers and is well worth a visit for bookworms everywhere.Visit http://www.graiguenamanaghto wnofbooks.com for more information. BRANCH MEETINGS The Barrow IWAI will meet on the fourth Tuesday of the month Threshing at Inistioge commencing on Tuesday 23 Photo: John O Gorman September @ 8.30 pm in Doyle's Pub Graiguenamanagh. The AGM will take place on Tuesday completion of this repair will south east were in attendance 25 November 2016 @ 8.30p.m. NAVIGATION. allow the Barrow IWAI members including Cappoquin, Carlow, Waterways Ireland have been boating on the Shannon to busy working on the problems return to base on the Barrow for along the navigation mentioned the closed season. Marks in the last issue. The build up of sand and gravel has been AUGUST BANK removed from under the lock at HOlIDAy. MYsterY Clashganny and they have also The August bank holiday removed gravel from the weekend is a busy time at the navigation upstream of the lower reaches of the Barrow. The Where was this photo taken ? bridge in Goresbridge. Barrow IWAI hold their annual Some waterproof goodies from Aquapac for the first correct Waterways Ireland encourage gathering and barbecue at identification drawn from the bag. users to report issues along the bahanna wood. This year the Send entries to navigation and are keen to gathering at Bahanna was rectify problems and improve the attended by crews based in New Mark Maguire, 24 Clonkil, Callan, Co. Kilkenny, navigation though often are Ross and Carrick on Suir with or email [email protected] restricted by the timing and the some of the assembled attending nature of the work in order to by car as their boats were on the The winner of Summer 2016 was Kieran Kearns who correctly comply with environmental and Shannon for the season. The identified the River Barrow at Athy. special area of conservation bank of the Nore at Inistioge is regulations. the venue for a large vintage rally which features a On July 11th a three mile stretch comprehensive display of of the Grand Canal around cars,trucks and tractors of the Rathangan and Glenaree was past along with demonstrations drained of its water through a of traditional crafts and collapsed culvert under the canal harvesting methods. half way between Rathangan and Glenaree.The canal drained Graiguenamanagh hosted its into surrounding fields. annual Regatta & Rowing Festival Waterways Ireland say that such on the Sunday and Monday of a major occurrence will take the August weekend. The some time to repair but hope to Festival featured two days of have the work completed before rowing, swimming, diving, cot www.aquapac.net the end of October this year. racing childrens’ activities and The 200 year old culvert live music in the local pubs. collapsed due to old age. The Many Rowing clubs from the Inland Waterways News Autumn 2016 33

NEWRy NEWS FROM TANYA DUFFY ABC COUNCIl canal matters. While this Bee Garden at Moneypenny’s Lock APPOINTMENTS appointment isn’t for a Canal Concrete pad in lock chamber Photo: Billy Austin When Armagh, Banbridge and Officer it is a great step in the Craigavon councils amalgamated right direction particularly as in 2015 we wrote to the CEO Rosemary was head of suggesting that it was the Conservation and Heritage in the perfect time to take a new look former Craigavon Council and at canal development. While the lives in Bessbrook close to the waterway had formed the canal near Newry. We look boundary of the three old forwarding to working with both councils it was therefore now at her and Councillor McCusker morning to dismantle something the heart of the new area and over the coming year and hope that had probably been dumped could be used as a signature to see real progress on canal in seconds. Careful clearance project to illustrate the benefits development. work is still on-going, revealing of amalgamation. The local more and more of the exquisite councillors were, in the main, SUMMER stonework. supportive of our idea as the WORKPARTIES new council controls the whole With canal water levels being During other work-parties northern half of the waterway. low during the early part of the Eamonn and his helpers have FUll BlOOM summer the floor of the repaired the lock fence and Our bee garden project at Central to our thinking was the Poyntzpass lock was easily improved the pedestrian access Moneypenny's Lock near appointment of a dedicated accessible for branch members to the towpath by cutting back Portadown is now in its third canal officer who could co- to carry out a long anticipated gorse bushes. The new gravel year and is maturing beautifully. ordinate the many different task. At some point in years and the base of the recently This photograph, taken recently departments with interest in gone by a concrete lorry had refurbished stone wall make the by local artist and photographer developing the canal, ranging tipped the remains of a load into whole area look much more Billy Austin, shows the garden in from sport to heritage. the lock, leaving an enormous welcoming and well maintained. full bloom with the original canal Councillor Colin McCusker, a solid pad on the beautiful cut lockhouse in the background. long standing and keen stone floor. It took five Photos: Heather Crawford. When visitors to the towpath supporter of the branch, is chair volunteers armed with various (except as noted) cross the bridge to take a closer of the Council’s Economic suitable hand tools most of a look at the garden it gives us the Development and Regeneration opportunity to explain the history Committee for the coming year of the Newry canal and to and he has promised his support promote the work of IWAI. and influence to press for development of the canal as a This year has shown Blueway; something we have magnificently what comes from already been working towards hard work and patience when with re-watering the summit creating a beautiful garden that level. benefits both people and wildlife in the area. Mrs Rosemary Mulholland has been appointed as the ‘point of contact’ within the council for all Refurbished wall at Poyntzpass Clearing Poyntzpass lock chamber Repaired fence at Poyntzpass 34 Autumn 2016 Inland Waterways News

POWERBOAT bRAnCH FROM RICHARD ELLIS AUSTIN GUNNING All wrapped up for the West Coast. MEMORIAl RUN Austin was a longstanding IWAI and UK CMBA (Classic Motor Boat Association) member with a passion for all things to do with the waterways. He was Austin Gunning Memorial Trophy unfortunately taken from us two Christmases ago, having bravely Upon our return Paul and Patsy battled MND for quite a while. Garland hosted a barbecue at Austin is sorely missed and the their wonderful Motor Cruiser branch thought it fitting to Sales facility at the Waterfront arrange a Memorial Run so that Marina. friends and family could come The branch then made a together in one of Austin’s the efforts of a number of ladies favorite locations to share old presentation to the Gunning and gents dressed in all their stories and celebrate the life of a family of a beautifully bound Enroute to Insihbofin photo album containing finery struggling along the rough true ‘Gentleman of the roads to make it to the wedding Waterways’. memories of times spent with reception that was taking place. Austin on the water. The Austin The event in Dromod on 28/29 Gunning Memorial award Having not been give an May, organised mainly by Eibhlin graciously donated by the CMBA impromptu invitation to the and Cormac Smith, was well to be presented annually to a wedding and deciding against subscribed with fourteen boats nominated ‘Gentleman of the trying to gate crash in our and over fifty participants Waterway’ was presented to INISBOFIN AND boating attire, we headed back arriving to what turned out to be William Ellis. As a memento of INISTURK to the boats and enjoyed an two days of glorious sunshine. the weekend all boats were uneventful and enjoyable trip presented with an engraved The May Bank Holiday weekend back to Killary. We were pleased to welcome Leitrim crystal whiskey shot glass. saw eight Powerboat Branch Austin’s wife Bernie, his nephew boats descending on the Killary Our Sunday morning start was a Michael Gunning and his fiancée Sunday’s run to Kilglass and Adventure Centre where Johnny little less enthusiastic than the Kellie Jordan. Austin had a Grange was also bathed in and Mary Loftus would lead us Saturday, not helped by the particular interest in classic speed sunshine and brought to a close in a weekend of exploring the overcast skies and the promise of boats and we were delighted an excellent weekend. salty stuff again. We were deteriorating conditions in the that Michael had brought delighted on this occasion to afternoon. A review of Tremlett 2 along, a beautiful Photos: Richard Ellis welcome two boats which had conditions when we exited the wooden boat built by Austin, his not previously participated in a fjord resulted in a decision being brother John and their father. Tremlett 2 with Michael and Kellie PB run bringing our total taken that a number of the headcount for the outing to smaller boats would return and Saturday’s activities comprised a approximately 42. take advantage of the high tide run down the Camlin river to to visit the old harbour in Richmond Harbour where a On Saturday morning the Leenaun. The remaining boats leisurely lunch was had in the forecast was marginal for a continued the rest of the 15 mile sunshine at the Richmond Inn. coastal trip. However, as the trip to Inisturk and after doing a early morning mist cleared and short walking tour set course for the sun started to peep through, Killary ahead of the threatened it became clear we would deteriorating weather conditions. manage to make the planned 18 The run back was sloppy and mile trip to Inisbofin. The trip certainly tested foul weather was off to a good start when the gear to its limits. Having early sighting of a pod of returned to Killary and recovered Dolphins caused great all boats the hot seafood excitement amongst the younger chowder lunch washed down by crew members. Having arrived some of the black stuff certainly and the salty air having whetted hit the spot for some. the appetites, a bee line to ‘The Beach Bar and B&B’ was made. The forecast for the Bank Having filled our bellies we Holiday Monday was not good drifted back outside to the so having thoroughly enjoyed glorious sunshine where some the previous two days we decided to explore further by decided to have a leisurely foot. The slightly lazier of us breakfast and start what was a decide to stay close to the bar long haul home for most of us. Photo album: Memories of Austin where we were entertained by Inland Waterways News Autumn 2016 35

SlANEy snIPPETs FROM: BRIAN COULTER, TRISH GALLAGHER & FRED CRAMPTON made the loss of his passing all Joseph Soar and Canadian Pacific Sow Rally 2016 the more palpable. arriving into Wexford Harbour So that we could honour and remember Sylvester, Slaney IWAI decided to commission a seat to be dedicated to him with a name-plate: ‘Remembering Syl’. Our chairman picked out a suitable design for the seat and procured the required oak timber In Wexford harbour there were locally on behalf of the branch. rescue displays by lifeboats and The Boat Club sponsored the the coastguard helicopter, raft construction of the seat and it racing, sailing races, aerobatics was superbly crafted by Gintaras with stunt aircraft, canoeing, Bielis. It now sits proudly on the wakeboarding and lots more. with high rushes on either side SOW RAlly as the river meandered through club balcony overlooking the The highlight for most maritime The River Sow is the lowest of the wetlands. Then we got to river Syl loved so much. enthusiasts was the arrival of Slaney’s tributaries. It rises in the remains of a fallen willow The seat was presented in three lifeboats from a previous North Wexford and flows tree that Brian and John had Wexford Harbour Boat and era. There were two Watson through Eden Vale, then through cleared away for the occasion. Tennis Club on 26 June with lifeboats: Bernard Condon’s Castlebridge marsh, where it is After pushing through this, the Brian Coulter, Chairman of beautifully restored Joseph Soar joined by the Garrylough River river was clear as far as Poulsac Slaney IWAI and Michael from Coleraine and the lovely and enters the Slaney on the Bridge. This was possible thanks Conway, Commodore of the Canadian Pacific owned by Steve northern side of Wexford to the efforts of Paul and Boat Club jointly presiding. David Bradley who together with his Harbour. Garrylough River was Brendan earlier in the year. We Killeen, our President, did the family sailed from Scotland for explored by Slaney IWAI in 1999 were sorry we could not get any unveiling. the festival. and 2011. In the words of local further because of more fallen historian Eithne Scallan, ‘The willows. There is a fine quay and As a true mark of how Sylvester The rowing lifeboat William Riley small community of Castlebridge turning point 100m upstream, was regarded, the event was came from Whitby on its own evolved and developed around and above this are the beautiful fully attended, and we were trailer. This magnificent craft two natural resources: barley and Eden Vale waterfalls that were delighted to be joined by almost came with a full crew under the water. The barley was for described in Slaney Snippets in every member of Sylvester’s command of Peter Thompson malting, brewing and animal the Summer Issue of IWN. family. The unveiling was and was in constant use during feed; the water was needed to followed by an IWAI barbeque in the weekend. Some of the event power mills and to provide a SylVESTER’S SEAT the club house. organisers had the privilege of freightway to and from the Every club and association joining the crew to row in the quays at Wexford.’ around the country has one: at MARITIME WEEKEND harbour. My arms felt about 6 least one person who is always The Wexford Maritime Festival inches longer afterwards! It was The Sow had not been explored there, always willing to help and 2016 was held on the last a very humbling experience to before by the branch. There is give of their experience. Last weekend of June. It has become feel in a small way what it was ample depth for much of its year, Slaney IWAI and Wexford the largest maritime festival of its like to be in a lifeboat crew in length, but its confluence with Harbour Boat Club lost one of kind in Ireland. times past. The Whitby crew had the Garrylough is quite wide and theirs, Sylvester O’Brien. such a great time that they want very shallow. Fallen trees and On the quays were all sorts of to come back next year. branches had made it impassable Sylvester was one of those activities from a food marquee, a for most of its length but one of people that helped everyone out. Viking village, circus workshops, The festival would like to our members had devoted much One of life’s characters, a true talent shows, music, outdoor recognise and thank Stena Line of his spare time clearing away and genuine man who gave his games, face painting, and a for their support and sponsorship obstructions and plotting the advice freely to all who met him, large funfair. In keeping with the for travel from the UK for best path through the shallows. especially the younger members. maritime theme there was a exhibitors and the Whitby He seemed to be always there large marquee displaying 90 Lifeboat. At mid-tide on July 3, twelve when you needed him which model boats including sailing boats set off across the Slaney craft, most of which were Photos: Brian Coulter Reach from Wexford Harbour operational. Local model-makers (except as noted) Boat Club to explore the Sow. As were joined by modellers from expected, the junction with Cork and Dublin and three from Garrylough River was very the UK with their very detailed William Riley: finding out what it shallow. However, Paul Fenlon’s lifeboats. Rosslare Maritime is like to row a lifeboat! sailing directions and a Google Museum put on an excellent Photo: Fred Crampton Earth chartlet everyone got display of artefacts and a large through with a bit of effort. photographic display of ships. Once past the junction the going Ginteras and Brian trying was very easy for about 1.5km, out the new seat 36 Autumn 2016 Inland Waterways News

DUBlIN DRIbblEs FROM JIM O’RIORDAN THE RISING RAlly The official start of this year's Dublin rally was on 8 May and was marked by a wonderful reception for participants in the Grand Canal Dock. This year being the centenary of 1916 we decided that the rally should commemorate the Easter Rising. We commissioned 2 plaques, one for the Easter Rally and one for the Rally proper. One depicted the GPO and the other Declan Enright, Grainne Boyle & plaque had an image of Mount Neill Barnaby at Pearse St Library St. Bridge. We also produced a burgee depicting the gunship Helga in all its glory. The Rally Library. We also took a trip out magazine included articles and to Dun Laoghaire to visit the photographs relating to local Maritime museum. landmarks which featured in the 1916 Rising. Rally events Unfortunately, our planned Liffey included a visit to the 1916 cruise had to be cancelled due to exhibition at the GPO and the a malfunction at the sea lock in 1916 exhibition at Pearse St. Grand Canal Dock, this only Katie & Holly Farrell with Jim O’Riordan returned to limited operation at mother, brother and daughters the end of June. Because of this to our Rally Barbecue. A cheque we rescheduled our barbecue for was presented to Katie and Holly the Saturday night and the which represented the proceeds evening was a great success. The of different fund raising events following week, Tim Rafter carried out by IWAI branches. organised a most enjoyable tour The girls insisted on sharing the of Dublin Port. There was also a proceeds with the Connolly trip organised to the newly Hospital Hospice, where Mick opened exhibition at Richmond spent the last weeks of his life Barracks. The Rally Cup was and where he was so well awarded to a most deserving looked after. A big Thank You to participant, namely Mr. Ray everybody at Dublin IWAI, Nolan. It must have been Ray's Kildare IWAI, Offaly IWAI and the IWAI Dublin meet the Lord Mayor lucky night because he also won individuals who contributed the photography competition. privately. Mick's family were very Jim O Riordan presents the Endeavor Cup to Ray Nolan touched by your thoughtfulness. at the Dublin Rally barbecue. Many rally participants remained Photo: Damien Maddock in Dublin in order to take part in Photos: Tish Enright the Waterways Ireland Docklands (except as noted) Summer Festival and the parade of boats in the Grand Canal Basin which took place on 21/22 May. Dublin IWAI would like to thank all those who took part in this year’s rally and all the Committee members who gave of their time so willingly to make this such a memorable event. MICK FARREll APPEAl FUNDS Presentation of the proceeds of Dublin IWAI were delighted to the Mick Farrell Fund to his welcome members of the late brother Stephen Mick Farrell's family, including his Inland Waterways News Autumn 2016 37

CORRIB CARRy On FROM MICHAEL HYNES and windy Saturday morning the cruise to Maam was abandoned on safety grounds. The 2016 rally commemorates the 40th anniversary of the foundation of the Corrib branch of IWAI and we were fortunate to have two of the founding members present, Kay Deacy who acted as Commodore for the rally and Pat McCambridge who has been a strong supporter of IWAI Corrib over the years. Pat and Ursula McCambridge hosted their usual wine and cheese reception early on Saturday evening during which Greg Costello fired up the barbecues for later use. The Chairman, Michael Hynes, addressed the gathering and highlighted the significance of the occasion. He then presented l-r: Frank Flannigan (Coillte), Liam Gavin (Inland Fisheries Ireland), Michael J Hynes (IWAI Corrib), the two founding members with John Kelly (IFI CE Scheme Supervisor), Tony Clarke (Coillte). mirrors containing individually inscribed citations and thanked been building boats on the contribution of the CE workers them for their commitment to INCHAGOIll island since 1861. He moved to whose vision, skills and hard REMEDIAl PROJECT Oughterard in 1922 work have made the project the the branch over the last 40 years. Kay Deacy replied and Over the past three years, a The overgrown paths have been great success it is. The significant thanked the Committee for their Community Employment (CE) financial contributions of the consideration. Programme has been involved in cleared and hundreds of metres IWAI Council and IWAI Corrib of dry stone walls have been remedial work on the island of were also acknowledged. The prize for the best boat went Inchagoill. Coillte, who own the restored with loving care. In Over the past year, the bungalow to Niall O’Flaherty of Cranchi addition, the walls of the island, Inland Fisheries Ireland who, assisted by George Ryder (IFI), IWAI, Environmental residences and some of the occupied by Thomas (Tommie) acted as berthing master and Nevin the Guinness caretaker outhouses have been restored to Community and Local whose foresight in bringing the Government and SOLAS are roof level. The boiler used to and the last man to actually live popups to the island saved the power the Keneavey saws has on the island has been largely involved in the project. Both the weekend. Niall also seemed to Corrib and national IWAI have been located. restored and only lacks a roof be popping up anytime anything and windows. The trees in front made financial contributions to At 2pm on Sunday 26 June, needed to be done over the the project. The aim of the representatives of the of the house have also been weekend. The Christy Deacy cleared and the original view of project is to enhance the visiting organisations involved in the youth cup was awarded to experience of anglers, tourists remedial work gathered at the the harbour has been restored. Darragh Glynn while the cup for Tommie retired to Cong in 1948. and boaters of all types who visit new sign erected close to the the best dressed boat went to the island. main pier. As the annual anglers The remedial work continues and Patricia Hynes of Páidín Eile. Mass was scheduled for 3pm, a is currently engaged in restoring Up until now most of the work Despite the inclement weather, has concentrated on the area number of curious onlookers also the ‘Coffee House’ on the north the rally was a great success and of the island. Perhaps one day gathered. Greg Forde of IFI between the main pier and the Saturday night was adjudged to ‘village’ where the houses were described the history of the croquet will once again be have been one of the most played on the lawn in front of it! project while Tony Clarke of located. According to the 1911 enjoyable nights of any rally. This census, three families lived on Coillte highlighted their CORRIB SUMMER was largely due to the fact that commitment to the project and the island, a reduction of one RAlly all mingled in and around the since the 1901 census. Patrick pledged to continue to support The 2016 rally was scheduled for popups which ensured that it. Michael Hynes described the and Maggie Heffernan lived in the weekend of 8-10 July. The everyone met everyone else. house #1, Michael Keneavey, his significance of the project from a original plan was to congregate Brian Costello had provided a heritage point of view and wife Julia and their four children in Inchagoill on Friday evening range of ‘toys’ for the children lived in house #2 while Martin thanked all who were involved in and cruise to Maam on Saturday and they seemed to be having a the project. The contribution of Keneavey, his wife Katie, their with a stop-over for lunch at the roaring time all evening. With an four children and Martin’s Billy Quinn from Moore Marine Hill of Doon. However, the impending gale warning, all who is the onsite archaeologist mother Mary lived in house #3. weather dictated otherwise and boats departed for their home Martin was the famous Inchagoill was greatly acknowledged. We at the skipper’s briefing on a wet ports early on Sunday afternoon. also acknowledge the boat builder whose family had 38 Autumn 2016 Inland Waterways News

RIVER BANN & lOUGH NEAGH FROM ALISTAIR UPRICHARD Tues 20 Sept: Lough Neagh approval. He was delighted with Discovery Centre, Craigavon, his new ‘home’ and work is well 9.15am–12.30pm under way (see photos). In addition a ‘proper’ stable and Tues 20 Sept: Market Place manger is being built. These plus Theatre, Armagh, the barbecue, Elf Train, 1.15pm–4.30pm Snowman Village, Barge Cafe Wed 21 Sept: Old Town Hall, and of course the Boat Trip make Banbridge, 9.45am–1pm Santa’s Island an unmissable ‘must do’ for children and adults The workshops will include alike. Details regarding bookings feedback on the state of the can be viewed on the Ram’s industry as it exists today and an Island website. outline of the anticipated opportunities for growth and SAND DREDGING drivers of that growth. The Balsam bashing The much publicised attempt by organisers are keen to elicit feedback and inputs on the DoE to close down sand opportunities for growing the extraction from L Neagh has had Borough’s tourism economy. a robust response from the sand traders. These have got together RAM’S ISlAND to commission a ‘nuts and bolts’ Balsam Bash survey of all aspects of the Lough which might be affected After a glorious June when by their activities. The court case camping was not allowed brought by the Government has (breeding season), the poor been adjourned to allow this weather in July resulted in survey to be completed. A similar several camping cancellations. though less extensive survey However, we had a successful carried out by the University of balsam bash (measured by the Ulster several years ago found no area cleared) at the end of June. evidence that sand extraction As the usual eradication method had any significant detrimental of swiping the stems using a Himalayan Balsam effect on the flora and fauna of stick is only effective if the stems L Neagh. are broken close to the ground WI ON l. BANN ABC COUNCIl PlANS. the volunteers were encouraged The short sightedness of the CONGRATULATIONS to Stephen Work has commenced on the to uproot the plants – a much relevant Minister has been Douglas and his team at WI on development of a new Tourism slower but more permanent further called into question by the prompt and efficient way Development and Marketing action. Most of the ‘bashing’ his statement that ‘only about they handled the recent problem Strategy for Armagh City, takes place within 150m of the 150 jobs will be affected’ ie only at Carnroe locks. A large tree Banbridge and Craigavon jetty which is about the most a those who dredge and process trunk had found its way into the Borough Council. Michael dozen volunteers can cope with. the sand will lose their jobs! lock chamber and dislodged a William, ASM and Professor Terry At best these ‘bashes’ keep the Reality is all those who work in paddle from the gate so that the Stevens, Stevens & Associates are plant at bay and Michael has the construction industry, chamber could not be emptied working with the Council on this been overheard to mention the concrete products manufacturing and of course nothing could pass project. A series of 3 tourism and environmentally unfriendly word (roof tiles, concrete pipes, through. Problem solved in three hospitality workshops will take w**dk***er! concrete bridge sections, flooring days. Well done! place in September: etc.) will be affected. The sand SANTA’S ISlAND trade is a bit like the oil industry, This year Santa will be visiting on most of the jobs created are Sat/Sun 3/4 and 10/11 Dec and after it comes out of the ground. preparations are already well Enough said! advanced to make Christmas Photos: Michael Savage Island 2016 even better than last year. As he (Santa) has been housed, uncomplainingly, in a tent and then a shed it has been decided to accommodate him in a style more fitting to his importance (and age!). Accordingly plans have been drawn up for a ‘proper’ Santa’s Santas grotto upgrade Grotto and sent to him for Sand dredging under threat? Inland Waterways News Autumn 2016 39

KIlDARE IwAI FROM ALAN KELLY Cocktail Hour on the Offaly Riviera! Photo: Alan Kelly Sean in the Canal Photo: Michelle McBride Irene O Neill (118B) was already begun on the section Commodore of the Shannon from Maynooth to Ferns Lock Harbour Canal Boat Rally. The and construction of the section fleet cruised in company and en from Spin Bridge to Chambers route to Shannon Harbour Bridge is due to be completed by participated in the Ballycommon the end of 2016. Festival, re-stocked in Tullamore and had a lovely overnight stay The pollution issue in Kilcock in Pollagh, arriving in plenty of harbour should be resolved soon. time in Shannon Harbour to Kildare CoCo has carried out enjoy the traditional fun & frolics water quality tests and an associated with the Shannon application to reopen the Harbour Rally. IWAI Kildare even harbour is being made to had the honour of taking home Waterways Ireland. the Pat Henry Mischief Cup for BREACH ON THE skills with a rope. You had to be there! BARROWlINE A serious breach of the Grand take on the Barrow & the Suir 3RD ANNUAl Canal north of Rathangan was DESTINATION Estuary and had planned to SHANNON CIC notifed by Waterways Ireland on EVERyWHERE return via the east coast but A further CIC took place on the 11 July (MN#98/16). The breach After a very successful Easter weather and gremlins scuppered Shannon in late July and set out resulted from the collapse of an Rally this year, branch members that idea. Unfortunately to explore Donal Boland’s original culvert with the canal prepared to travel to all corners Swallow, St Ledger & a number recently launched book The Mid- draining through the breach and of the waterways for the of other vessels are stuck below Shannon Waterway. Members into the fields. Branch member summer months. A number of Rathangan due to the recent from IWAI Kildare, Offaly & Sean Mc Bride visited the site. vessels travelled to Dublin in culvert collapse on the Barrow Dublin meandered their way This breach has left a number of April to participate in both the line, more on this later. from Portumna to Athlone & member boats stranded as well Easter Rising Rally & the main A large number of vessels then beyond to the Inner Lakes as impacting on canal boat hire IWAI Dublin Rally. Roger & Sean headed west for Shannon under the expert guidance of businesses in the area. IWAI Mc Bride in Swallow prepared to Niall O Dowda in Sonas. Kildare looks forward to a harbour where our very own Highlights of the 9 day event speedy repair to this section of included the view from the roof the canal but it is likely that of Parker’s restaurant, there are many more culverts in overnighting on Tony’s Island & need of surveying and associated dinner with Mario in Manfreds. If preventative maintenance in you want to know more you will order that future breaches can have to read the next issue of be prevented. IWAI Kildare will IWN for which Niall has call on local politicians to promised a full and detailed support Waterways Ireland in report. sourcing additional funding from government to allow for ROyAl KIlDARE comprehensive surveying of Good news from Kilcock comes original canal infrastructure. on two fronts. Funding was Many thanks to Sean’s daughter recently announced for the long Michelle for these photos. More awaited Greenway project from can be found on her blog Kildare to Meath along the Royal https://notalwaysprettyinnature. Canal. Preliminary work has wordpress.com/2016/07/14/gran 40 Autumn 2016 Inland Waterways News

CARRICK bITTs C CooSS FROM CONNOR MEEGAN & BLÁITHÍN FITZGERALD Carrick Festival. A fleet of much Bowling practise as almost 40 boats made their way possible for our annual challenge to Lough Key Forest Park on match with Boyle branch. Saturday in brilliant sunshine Nobody is quite sure who won where the festivities kicked off in as it took place after midnight style with a Cocktail Party thanks on Sunday night / Monday to Ciaran Morgan’s expertise and morning – but it was good craic. Tapas by Frank Kennedy and his crew. Everybody seemed to enjoy the weekend all thanks to everyone There was very little time to who helped us run the event. sunbathe on Sunday with coffee We got so much help from morning at 11.00 and then members of the branch over the Tapas on the quay straight into the games. Brian weekend it made the job so 56TH SHANNON BOAT give readers an idea as to what had spent the previous number much easier to organise and allowed us have a brilliant time of months thinking of games RAlly it's like to be anchored out in a with a difference and he came as well. At the time of writing most large group of friends to enjoy a up trumps! The boat race was people are back from their beautiful night on the lake. hard fought both by children We would encourage other summer holidays on the The 56th Shannon Boat Rally and adults. It’s amazing how a members to get involved in waterways and no matter where Premier Award winners were piece of wood and some string organising CIC and other events we travelled it was busy , the William and Richard Ellis (Tan can wind people up! throughout the year – its great weather was mostly kind over Juan). More details about the fun. the summer and this brought Rally can be found in an The final of the Kayak race had 3 many private boaters out to accompanying article. complete novices in it. If you CARRICK CARES DAy enjoy the waterways of the saw the video on Facebook you By the time you are reading this, North Shannon JUNE CIC would never guess!! The paper the 2016 Carrick Cares Day will (Bláithín and Brian Fitzgerald) plane design and race have taken place and details will Many members have just taken competition had Air Traffic be provided in the next issue. part in the 56th Shannon Boat What a difference a year makes. Control quite concerned! Contact [email protected], Rally which was based on the 2015 June Bank Holiday if you are interested in attending south Shannon this year and weekend was wet, windy and The boules competition had a or helping out for our 2017 started in Ballyleague which very cold. This year the Gods large number of entries and do event. added plenty of colour to the were kind to us and the weather you know what? Everyone had Ballyleague festival that was perfect, which made our job a ball!! MEMBERSHIP weekend. much easier. The Blow Football competition During the summer we met The Carrick based Vice The weekend started with was such an exhausting game it many local boaters who are not Commodore Nuala Morgan registration in the Bush Hotel had to be run over a number of members of IWAI. It would be played a blinder ably assisting and we were treated to a hours to give the competitors great if Carrick members, who the Athlone commodore Keith spectacular aero display by time to catch their breath. meet non-members on the river, Rowe. There was an exceptional explain the benefits of branch uptake on competition entries Ballykeeran Rosette The new Carrick Branch membership and encourage barbecues were a huge success this year and it was great to see them to join any of the IWAI Photo: Paul Larkin thanks to Paul Henry who so many members, especially our bought and delivered them to branches (but maybe especially younger ones, enthusiastically Carrick!). competing in events. Lough Key for us. For those of you who have not We thought an ordinary quiz One special event which took renewed yet this year this can place was the rosette formation would be too predictable so easily be renewed on line using a along with the questions we also on the inner lakes at Ballykeeran. credit card line at The accompanying photo will gave the answers……..too easy http://www.iwai.ie/online365/me you may say? There were still mber_join.php - any queries mumblings that the quiz was too please contact difficult! [email protected] The final event was the Ten Pin Bowling in the dark. We thought Carrick needed to get as UPCOMING EVENTS Date Time Event October 1st TBC Carrick V Boyle River Bowling Challenge October 28th 9pm End of Season Rally Commodores Paddy & Patricia Mc Cormack Boat race November 19th 12noon Executive Meeting November 19th 2.00 pm Branch AGM. Inland Waterways News Autumn 2016 41

ATHlONE ATTRIbuTEs FROM KEVIN CLABBY JUNE BANK HOlIDAy Swimfest at Coosan Point CIC. Photo: Kevin Clabby Commodores: Peter and Rosemary Lee (Kayber) St Hilda’s boat trip participants Meeting at Coosan Point, Photo: Siobhan Bigley participants settled in for a nice social night at the Lough Ree brought us around Ballinasloe, administrative shelter and ST HIlDA’S BOAT Inn. Some music and food and engaging in some banter along dressing room facilities for the TRIP we were up and running. the way and was an interesting National Open Water Swimfest St Hilda’s, a voluntary At Ballinasloe, Peter and way of learning about this at Coosan Point on Sunday 7 organisation, was established in Rosemary had arranged for a historic town. The music was a August. A generator and other 1964 to provide a walking historical tour which nice way to end our visit. equipment were also made comprehensive service to some availed of and then the The Ballinasloe business available. people with mild, moderate real fun started at about community had prepared well The event was a great success and severe intellectual 7.00pm with a little cheese and for the arrival of the 24 boats with approximately 200 disabilities. They support over wine and ‘adult games’ on the and the harbour looked swimmers in various open water 120 service users and their lawn at the marina. The so spectacular. The visit was of events taking place including families. called ‘adult games’ were major interest to locals as 5km and 10km swims. This is Athlone IWAI’s annual St Hilda’s mentioned on the itinerary but Ballinasloe once again welcomed now for the second year Swim Boat Trip took place on Friday 5 when Peter introduced a tray use of their lovely though Ireland has run the event at this June. Athlone Marina was our of eggs it was clear that this underused harbour. We will be location and in speaking with meeting point and we took 80 was only going one way. back! Swim Ireland officials this friends and St Hilda’s staff on The egg and spoon relay race As there was an early closing weekend it is clear that they see board. Guests were allotted to was first off. Then we were on time on the lock most made the this location as the best available boats by Chairman Brian to the egg throwing and trip away from the harbour at in Ireland. Corcoran, who co-ordinated catching and the eventual lunch time and through the lock ATHlONE RIVER the day. Every year The Viking winners were so slick that there at Pollboy where lock keeper FESTIVAl. Ship assists the branch with was a steward’s enquiry as to David Coyne, ever courteous as Athlone IWAI members Brian this event and it allows access whether the egg was boiled or he is, was in attendance. David Corcoran, Kevin Clabby, Paul for those in wheelchairs to not. This could only be will soon vacate this position as King and Damien Delaney are participate. confirmed by one method and this lock is being automated in involved in the planning and The safety boat was provided so the egg was tested on the similar fashion to the locks on running of the Athlone River by the Athlone Sub Aqua. The head of the winner with Peter the Shannon Erne waterway. Festival, Friday 9 to Sunday 11 convoy of boats slowly announcing that ‘yes this and On arrival back at Sept 2016 We are seeking proceeded out onto Lough Ree the winners are all good eggs’. Shannonbridge most cooked on support for this fun week on the where the glorious sunshine Cleaning egg out of your hair board and later one hell of a water in the centre of Athlone. made it a day to remember. is another matter however. pontoon party struck up on the After the fun on the water, the Then we had some bondage floating jetties. This went on well friends from St Hilda’s and the where couples were required to into the night and once again staff were treated to a meal at undo their entanglement from daylight was beckoning by the the Hodson Bay Hotel. ropes around their wrists and time some called a halt. with some slick moves this was This event as always was one won in about 10 seconds with Mondays on Athlone IWAI of the highlights of the branch the rest struggling till they gave cruises are for recovery without calendar and one that St Hilda’s up defeated. This was a fun if any organised events and while friends and staff look forward not a clean event and warmed some stopped at Clonmacnoise to with great anticipation. everyone up for a night in An most travelled all the way to Athlone and back to marinas. We would like to thank Pat Táin pub. McManus & Athlone Sub Aqua An Táin had arranged food Many thanks go to Peter and for providing the on-water which was followed by music Rosemary Lee for a thoroughly rescue services, Michael and a great night all round. enjoyable and well organised McDonnell of the Viking Ship Back at the boats there were a weekend and for organising the who provided his boat free of few late parties, some not fantastic weather. charge for the event, The retiring ‘til close to daylight. Hodson Bay Hotel for the SWIM IRElAND provision of a meal for the St On Sunday morning we had In keeping with our position to Hilda’s friends and staff and all the option of a treasure hunt assist with other water based branch members who assisted and traditional music at An activities, Athlone IWAI provided and provided their boats. Táin. The treasure hunt the pop-up marquees for 42 Autumn 2016 Inland Waterways News

SHANNON HARbOuR FROM DAMIEN BUCKLEY Locking down for some powerboating antics on the river Photo: Alan Lindley (l-r) Greg Whelan explains the workings of the ‘smoker’ to Colm and Gerry Burke Henry Mischief Cup we had to enjoyed by all. Our big winners postpone until Sunday in the this year were Alan Kelly, winner hope of better weather. This of of the Mischief cup and our EARly START course meant that Rally-goers talent show winner, Lucie Joyce Saturday started with a blaze as had to take shelter in the pubs taking the Pat Carrolan Cup for our Barbecue Smoker was lit in and make do with an evening of her great performance. the early hours to get ready for drink, craic and ceol provided by Congratulations to the winners our guest chef Greg Whelan to McIntyre's and the cAnal Bar as of all other competitions across load up the beef for its 12 hour Michael T has renamed it. the rally fleet. slow cook in preparation for Saturday evenings Texas SUNDAy THANKS Barbecue themed meal. Sunday again turned out to be a On behalf of the Committee I wet one but as we are very would like to thank our Next to start was registration fortunate to have the use of the Commodore Irene O'Neill, her and straight after, thanks to Alan Shannon Harbour meeting husband Connor Nolan and their Lindley and the Powerboat Commodore Irene O’Neill rooms, we were able to move family for all their input and Branch, an afternoons fun and the Ecumenical service in without efforts over the weekend. This year’s Shannon Harbour games was organized out on the disruption. Many thanks to Arch Thanks to everyone who Rally was a great success again Shannon with all comers catered Deacon Patrick Towers who as attended and all who helped in thanks to all our rally goers. The for at a little more pace than the usual mixed his blessings with any way throughout the weekend started on Friday canal boat crews are used to. entertaining stories of his travels weekend without participation evening with our Commodore’s The usual competitions and and to Paul Fitzpatrick who as and the community spirit this Reception where some light quizzes went on until the always was on the ball with the rally just wouldn't be possible. refreshments were had before evening when our barbecue was organization. the official welcome from the ready to serve. The weather Photos: Colin Becker Commodore and the decided to turn against us as the Our postponed games and (except as noted) Committee. Sunday’s Talent Show were evening progressed and by the moved to the marquees and time we were ready for the Pat great performances were Damien Buckley and Greg Whelan check out the quality of the smoked meat. Erecting the marquee Photo: Brenda Ainsworth Inland Waterways News Autumn 2016 43

CRUISING Club FROM SEAN O’RIOGAIN wonderful to see that Banagher Preparing Sionn Mhara for an At Carnadoe Bridge. L-r: Ann Matthews, Eric Herrieven, Sal Conry, Maebh is now making great strides to Evening Sailing O’Regan, Archie Reed, Rita Reed, with dogs Kolo and Max promote all that it has to offer, Photo: Sean O’Riogain Photo: Maebh O’Regan for which the organisers are to be highly commended. We all promised to treat ourselves by attending next year’s festival too, and would strongly encourage other IWN readers to do likewise, provided RETAlIATING EARly that you leave the prime It is often a feature of the Irish mooring spots free for us, of summer that we get a week or course! two of good weather during May or June (while the state TO CARRICK-ON- examinations are on), after SHANNON AND BACK of the marina, who gave us It turned out that the longboats which the good weather ups The centrepiece of the branch’s permission to hold the belonged to a colourful group sticks and heads south for the events for 2016 was a cruise-in- commodore’s reception and to called the Magnus Viking winter. Unfortunately, at the time company from Athlone to overnight there and who Association, which claims to be of writing, it looks like Summer Carrick and back. It was ably led graciously accepted Eric’s Northern Ireland’s premier living 2016 is adopting this pattern! by commodore, Eric Herrieven, invitation to attend that event history re-enactment group. (See This is why it is important for us and conducted at a leisurely with his wife. www.magnusvikings.com). Its boaters, like everybody else, to pace over the first 2 weeks in There were many other convivial vessels were on a voyage called get our retaliation in early by July. A total of 8 boats joined the gatherings held along the way, the Viking Fleet Challenge from getting out and about during the cruise at various points, with the both on and beside the boats, as the Share Centre on Lough Erne first months of summer. vanguard assembling at the well as in other ‘watering holes’, to Athlone. See starting point on Saturday, 2 July, including an especially enjoyable www.facebook.com/Vikingfleetc THAT BEATS at which point a branch dinner, which was held in the hallenge for more details. BANAGHER committee meeting was also Leitrim Marina Hotel at the That is how a group of Cruising convened. height of the cruise. lOOKING FORWARD Club members found ourselves At the time of writing, our in Banagher during a glorious The event took place against the Another striking feature of the planned cruise-in-company to weekend in the middle of May. backdrop of the European cruise was that it achieved a Lough Derg for the Terryglass Art Although we didn’t know it football championships, which good mixture of ports of call: Festival from Wednesday, 17 beforehand, it wasn’t only the provided an excuse (as if one from the larger urban centres of August, to Sunday 21 August is weather that had a treat in store was needed!) for the crews to Athlone and Carrick, to more in doubt because of concerns for us, because we had arrived get together in various hostelries compact conurbations such as about a possible shortage of for the weekend of the That to watch some of the matches. Lanesboro, Tarmonbarry, moorings during this very Beats Banagher Festival. For instance, on Sunday 3 July, Rooskey, Dromod and Dromsna, popular event. after the commodore’s cheese to the relative wilderness of A full and varied schedule of and wine reception in the private Grange Lake in the Carnadoe To keep abreast of developments events was laid on, from food marina in Tarmonbarry, we Waters, from where some of the in relation to this and other fair, to literature (Banagher has repaired to The Lodge bar to participants also took a short taxi cruises, please refer our events associations with both Charlotte watch the home team, France, ride to visit Strokestown House page Brontë and Anthony Trollope), beat gallant Iceland 5-2. and the Famine Museum. (www.iwai.ie/cruising/events.htm). music, family fun, sports, and boat trips on the Shannon by A special word of thanks is due As not all of the participating We look forward to seeing as kayak or the local longboat, to Michael McNamara, manager boats could join from the outset many of our crews as possible in Sionn Mhara. (See festival or for the entire fortnight, Eric attendance at the branch’s website thatbeatsbanagher.com) must be commended for leading events, and would be delighted this very enjoyable and flexible, to see crews from other But, for us, the highpoint had to hop-on-hop-off cruise. branches participating as well. be the fireworks display on the Saturday night. From our VIKING FlEET vantage point at Silver Line’s CHAllENGE floating jetty closest to the While our cruise-in-company was bridge we had a tremendous motoring north in early July, Vikings on Lough Boderg view of the spectacular show another type of fleet, consisting Photo: Maebh O’Regan that seemed to go on for hours. of a couple of Viking longboats The whole town and its visitors Commodore’s Reception at was rowing south, with the turned out in force to every Tarmonbarry. l-r: John Ryan, Rita fleets crossing paths near event and a great time was had Reed, Michael McNamara & his Dromod as well as sharing by all. This festival was first wife, Tony Barry moorings in Lanesboro and launched in 2015 and it’s Photo: Maebh O’Regan Athlone. 44 Autumn 2016 Inland Waterways News

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