A vision for the future
Alison Alderton talks to Inland Waterways Association of Ireland president Alan Kelly about his waterways journey and long-term objectives.
ALAN Kelly is a music teacher who was raised in Tallaght, Dublin. Having lived in Kildare and Laois, he is now back in Dublin where he enjoys hill walking and the great outdoors – but how did he become involved in boating?
“There is no history of boating in my family and my involvement with the inland waterways of Ireland is a happy accident,” he replied. “During my college years, my friend and best man Ian Brabazon purchased a narrowboat, an old Springer doer-upper and turned it into a fine bachelor pad.
“In 2003, following a spell of boat sitting and a favourable loan from the bank, Adele, now my wife, and I found ourselves the proud owners of Chimwemwe, Ian’s first boat, as he was moving on to bigger and better things.”
Alan continued: “Chimwemwe means ‘gift from God’ and her gifts were many. Adele and I spent two years living on board in Lowtown, Co Kildare, where we were introduced to a wonderful waterways community from all walks of life. We immediately became members of Kildare IWAI.
“Meetings and rallies followed introducing us to a great number of passionate waterways enthusiasts, many of whom we still count among our friends and many of whom sadly are no longer with us. Through IWAI Kildare we were also introduced to the volunteer spirit of IWAI and soon put our shoulders to the wheel with Adele serving terms as treasurer and chairperson and me fulfilling the role of secretary – though not all at the same time!
“With the waterways lifestyle now firmly embedded, Adele and I sold our little Chimwemwe and moved on to Rigmarole, spending another two years living aboard. Following this, life took over with a house, wedding and our two boys but we still managed to keep Rigmarole.”
Speaking about becoming IWAI president, Alan said: “Like most other aspects of my waterways journey, circumstances played a large part in my being given the honour of serving as IWAI president. During my term as IWAI Kildare secretary I became involved in the debate around canal bylaws. That debate became a campaign and on that basis, I was asked to join the IWAI Executive Board.
“A three-year term as vice-president followed, after which, in May 2019, I was elected as president. My key objectives for my term are to make volunteering as accessible as possible at all levels of the association to safeguard its future, to attract a younger voice and explore how we communicate as an organisation to achieve this, to strengthen our governance structures in a time when charities and trusts are very much under the microscope and to build on relationships within IWAI and likeminded external bodies.”
When asked about the most challenging aspect of the role, Alan explained: “For me, it is balancing the demands of a company director and trustee with the demands of a young family and a very busy professional life. I count myself lucky to receive strong support from my wife and family while leading a very capable and competent board who get through an incredible amount of work. It is vital to acknowledge this because all IWAI board members serve as directors and trustees in a voluntary capacity while still having to be accountable under company and charity law.”
Work aside, there is still time for cruising and Alan enthusiastically shares his boating adventures, telling us: “Rigmarole was built in Newbridge, Co Kildare, in 2001 and Adele and I became third owners in 2005. She is a 45ft x 10ft cruiser stern barge with bespoke bunks recently added for the boys.
“We base ourselves in various locations on the Grand Canal in Kildare over winter and travel extensively the rest of the year. We have cruised on the
Grand and Royal Canals, completing the Green and Silver twice, the River Shannon as far south as Limerick and north to Acres Lake. Also, Lough Key, the River Suck to Ballinasloe, the River Barrow as far south as Arthurstown, Co Wexford, the Shannon-Erne Waterway and Upper Lough Erne and even the first section of the Ulster Canal.
“We have lots more exploring to do including Lower Lough Erne to Beleek and many unvisited spots on the Shannon Lakes.”
Expanding on combining family and cruising, Alan went on to say: “Young people are the future of IWAI so naturally I would like to promote their involvement in the association. Our two
sons, Ciarán (10) and Liam (7) spend lots of time on board. Ciarán has grown up with the boat, he was six days old attending his first rally in Edenderry so has a keen interest in boating, especially following maps. Liam is less enthusiastic but it’s growing on him.
“Boating with children can be challenging with safety always in mind. This is especially true on longer journeys or when things go wrong but it applies everywhere. Trips need to be planned with adequate crew to ensure safety of all on board.
“Despite this, our boys are receiving a unique education in history, heritage, environment, teamwork, skills and lots of fun with kids their own age – what’s not to like!”
Alan is also involved with the Heritage Boat Association (HBA). “We joined the HBA to support their work in preserving Ireland’s floating heritage. Adele served as treasurer for three years and we have taken part in some great cruise in company trips with the ‘big boats’. The most memorable were the trip to Limerick City via the awesome lock at Ardnacrusha which drops the level more than 100ft and the two trips exploring the tidal reaches of the Barrow and sister rivers.
“I am delighted to say that IWAI and HBA have a healthy working and cruising relationship. The majority of HBA members are also IWAI members, we regularly confer when addressing challenges and opportunities on our waterways.”
Finally, Alan shares his vision of the future. “IWAI is the ‘Voice of the Waterways’, having regular engagement with statutory bodies and government departments who take on board IWAI views when dealing with waterways issues.
“Irish waterways are a great untapped resource for slow tourism and wellbeing and IWAI is flying the flag through its extensive programme of water-based activity catering for thrill-seekers to book readers and everything in between.
“This year IWAI, in partnership with RNLI, will redevelop the association’s spiritual home, Dunrovin on Lough Ree, with the construction of a lifeboat station and multi-purpose building, linking the association’s past, present and future in a secure and sustainable manner.”