Killarney to celebrate 233 years of rowing

THE sport of rowing, which dates back to the early 1800s, is almost as old as the town of Killarney and currently all six local clubs are gearing up for the annual regatta at Mahony’s Point on Sunday, June 25.

Rowing is certainly the oldest sport in Killarney and on checking through old records it is noted that during the 1800s the only sporting events held locally were the annual Regattas at Innisfallen Island and the Races, which were held at Coolcorcoran prior to the opening of the present racecourse at Bunrower, while golf was played on the old course at Deerpark prior to the opening of Mahony’s Point.

Currently there are six rowing clubs in Killarney. While we have no information regarding the founding of the Muckross clubs there are indications that the club was active in the early 1800s, making it the oldest club in the area.

Commercials, originally known as The Drapers based on its long and close links with the business life of Killarney, was founded in 1886 and after a period of inactivity is now up and running with a new clubhouse and excellent facilities down at Ross Castle.

Back west of the town we have Fossa, once known as Aghadoe Boat Club, and this club has a long tradition of rowing since its formation in 1893.

Back down at Ross Castle we have St. Brendans, founded in 1895, and this club was once known as Lough Lein Rowing Club and beside them we have Workmen, founded in 1920, while out in Cahernane we have Flesk Valley, founded in 1924.

St. Finans, now defunct, was formed in 1952 by the staff of the now closed St. Finans Hospital.

While Commercials have close links with the commercial life of the town, other clubs including Muckross, Fossa, and Flesk Valley were once closely linked with the aristocracy, notably the Herberts, Vincents, and McGillicuddy families. Those links have been perpetuated in the names of the Regatta trophies.

In earlier eras Regattas were held off Innisfallen Island and Cahernane Bay before moving to the present course at Mahony’s Point and the committee are deeply indebted to the management of Killarney Golf and Fishing Club for making their facilities available since 1954.

Much has changed over the years and while the Regatta was the sole event for the rowing fraternity of Killarney, clubs from the area now compete regularly at national and international rowing events and of course it must be noted that three rowers from Killarney, Paul Griffin, Sean Casey, and Cathal Moynihan competed for Ireland at the Olympic Games.

Coastal rowing is also proving most attractive, and local clubs have enjoyed much success at Coastal Regattas.

This year’s Regatta Programme will be officially launched at the Avenue Hotel on Thursday, June 15, during which the contribution of the sponsors will be recognised and also a winning club from 25 years ago will be honoured. The participants for the Regatta Queen Contest will also be introduced on the night.

This year’s programme of 17 races, including both Mens and Ladies Races, will commence at 9.30am at Mahony’s Point on Sunday, June 25.

Killarney Regatta Queens contestants Eimear Beazley, Muckross, Sarah Doody, Fossa. Back, from left: Alison O’Sullivan, Flesk Valley, Clara Wharton, Commercials, Ella Canavan, St Brendan’s, and Siobhan Burns, Workmans, at the launch the Killarney...

John O’Leary President (seated centre) who made special presentations to the Workmans Ladies Rowing crew Marie O’Shaughnessy and Mary Looney representing the late Patsy Looney (back from left) Mary Downing, Rose Tangney, Paddy O’Sullivan representing...