C-19 forces clubs to row back on regattas

ROWING fans in south Kerry won’t enjoy a full calendar of events this summer season as many of the county’s regattas have been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, at least three clubs in South Kerry are holding regattas this summer in a bid to ensure, they say, the tradition is not lost. Portmagee and Sive have both confirmed dates for regattas, and Cahersiveen also plan to host an event.

Other clubs are discussing plans, but South and Mid Kerry rowing have stated that the majority of clubs are not going ahead with regattas.

South and Mid Kerry Rowing Board PRO Mary B Teahan cited fears over numbers in attendance at such events; and concerns by the clubs about the safety of rowing, which involves such close contact, as the reasons why many are not returning this year.

The Government has confirmed all sports can return to training, including contact sports. Training and events in keeping with safety guidelines are permitted, but extra precautions and safety protocols must be in place during training and at events, in line with Government regulations.

Rowing involves close contact in many of the boats, and Mary B Teahan said some clubs have raised this as a concern.

A meeting of the South and Mid Kerry Rowing Board took place last week. Following this, the board said that many of the regattas would be cancelled.

There are 11 clubs involved with the South and Mid Kerry Rowing – Cromane, Callinafercy, Cahersiveen, Sive, Valentia, Portmagee, Caherdaniel, Sneem, Templenoe and Cnuicin. However, not all would host regattas.

“As we start to come out of COVID-19 the implications for our sport is pretty much that the 2020 season is over before it’s begun when we look at the different traditions and boats around our county. The majority of the clubs in Kerry have stood down their activity on the water, and a smaller number of clubs have decided to get back on the water for social rowing. No matter what the position, on or off the water, respect is given to all clubs,” she said.

Following the meeting, Sive Rowing Club said they would be organising a regatta on August 2 in a bid to protect the tradition that exists in South Kerry and, like every club, would be adhering to the required regulations and safety precautions.

“We have chosen to go ahead to keep the show on the road,” said Padraig O’Shea.

David Hussey of Portmagee echoed similar sentiments and said the club would be hosting their event on August 9.

“We are delighted to continue the tradition of the regatta to preserve it for younger generations,” he said.

Meanwhile in the One Design Boat, the Kerry Coastal Rowing County Championship Regattas – laned regattas due for Sneem and Fenit – have also been cancelled, and the All-Ireland Coastal Rowing Championships due for Dingle August 2020 have been deferred to Dingle in August 2021.

The Killarney Regatta, which dates back to the 1800s, has also been cancelled for the 2020 season.