Rowing for pride at Dingle Regatta

A LARGE crowd is expected to gather at the harbour this weekend to enjoy the Dingle Regatta, traditionally the final event in the Dingle summer calendar.

First run in 1857, the regatta continued until the early 20th Century after which there was a 45-year gap before the regatta was held again in 1948, according to a report in The Kerryman of the time. The report of 1948 named the Cuas crew of Sean Ó Conchubhalr, T. Ó Cinnéide, T. Breathnach and M. Ó Cinnéide as the winners of the main race with crews from Brandon in 2nd and 3rd place. The prize money was £16, in the 1940s – which was half the price of a bicycle at the time.

Ladies and youth rowing races were not included in the event in the Dingle Regatta of 70 years ago, but that is all changed now. The modern regatta runs over two days providing a platform for aisplay of senior and junior oarsman ship. From the under-12s to the men’s and ladies 4-handed races, the competition is set to be fierce between the opposing crews who have already raced against each other locally at regattas in Kerry, Clare and Galway.

The races on Saturday are for crews in the under 12, under 14 , under 16 and under 18 categories. On Sunday the All -Ireland 4-handed men’s and women’s champion crews will compete, hoping to add the championship of Kerry to their titles for the year.

Just like 70 years ago they’ll be racing for pride – although the prize fund of €5,250 over the two days might have its own attractions as well.