This article is from page 27 of the 2007-09-18 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 27 JPG
CURRACH rowing is enjoying a revival in Quilty village as the local currach-rowing club and Leon Com- mittee make the final preparations for the Leon XIII Festival.
Starting on September 28 the fes- tival will celebrate the bravery of the local men who rescues the crew of the stricken Leon XIII 100 years ago.
Members of the local rowing club began training off Seafield at the beginning of summer in hopes of winning at least one race during the weekend long festivities.
Under the guidance of John Downes and trainers from West Clare Cur-
rach Club, several racing crews have formed to help fly the Quilty flag in the upcoming Leon Regatta.
The training regime has been given an added boost with the recent acqui- sition of a new racing currach, which will be in action during the Leon Re- gatta starting in Quilty village at 4 pm on Sunday, September 30.
This regatta will bring together teams from all over Clare to compete in the heats and finals of three main events – The Mixed Open, The Leon Trophy Men’s Open and the Wom- en’s Open Event.
Regattas were a feature in Quilty village up until the late 1950s and the rowing club and festival organis- ers plan to host the Leon Regatta on
an annual basis starting this year.
“Regatta Sunday” will commence with a special commemoration Mass in Star of the Sea Church in Quilty at 12pm.
Incorporating new musical compo- sitions created for the occasion, the Mass will be followed by open-air set dancing in Quilty village starting at 2pm.
Many people from the area now living abroad are planning to return to Quilty for the festival and the Regatta will certainly bring back fond memories to locals and visitors who remember the last occasions on which currach racing events were held in the village.
Beginning with the opening cere-
mony and unveiling of commemora- tive plaque at 6pm on Friday evening September 28, a full programme of events is planned for the festival weekend.
For further information, please take away one of the free programme fly- ers available locally or contact Agnes on 087 1355738 or Caroline on 087 2194541 for details.