Marine connections celebrated at ball
OVER 160 people from around the country were treated to some top class Wicklow hospitality as the Irish Institute of Master Mariners and the Irish Chamber of Shipping held the Marine Ball in the Arklow Bay Hotel.
It’s four years since the ball was last held in Arklow and Mary O’Neill, vice president of the Irish Chamber of Shipping, said it is one of the biggest events of the year.
‘Arklow has always had a strong connection with the mariners, so it was great to honour the town,’ said Mary.
There was several guest of honours at the event, including Commodore Hugh Tully from the Irish Navy; Conor Mowlds, director of the National Maritime College of Ireland; Liam Lacey, director of the Irish Maritime Development Office; and Michael Kingston, Global Maritime Lawyer of the Year 2016.
Speaking at the event, Cllr Tommy Annesley, cathaoirleach of the Arklow Municipal District, congratulated everyone for their hard work and said that it was ‘great to see the local Maritime of Ireland branch to get together with the national organisation.’ ABOVE: Michelle Roche; Paul Roche, President of the Irish Institute of Master Mariners; Andrew Sheen, President of the Irish Chamber of Shipping; and Ayshea Sheen.