This article is from page 59 of the 2008-08-19 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 59 JPG
WEST Clare has been the focus of currach enthusiasts this year. Dur- ing the summer visitors and locals have enjoyed numerous currach re- gatta races this year and played host to the All-Ireland championships in SNe Te
On August 24, local interest will be firmly fixed on the next regatta in the west and the showdown between top teams Kilrush and Coonagh, when the Clare Decider takes place during the Leon Currach Regatta.
The Clare Decider will be a hard
fought series of races and both cur- rach crews can expect to face stiff competition from the many teams lined up to compete on the day.
Currach rowing has enjoyed a huge revival in the last number of years thanks to the dedication and com- mitment of a growing number of vol- Pion
The Quilty based Leon Currach Rowing Club, which was formed in 2007, will host the Leon Currach Regatta and will field at least three crews to represent the club.
Having participated in several re- gattas this year in Clare and beyond,
the Leon club crews are all set for the Quilty Confined race to be a very oy en elo NLS AV om BOERNE
In addition to the Clare Decider and the Quilty Confined, currach races will include the heats and finals of the Men’s Open, Women’s Open and Mixed Open events.
The shore-based regatta staged off Seafield, Quilty, proved a huge at- traction to spectators last year. The Stretch of sandhills at Seafield, as well as the elevated road overlooking the sea all the way to Quilty village, provides excellent vantage points with which to view the races.
On August 24, the currach racing commences off Seafield, Quilty at lpm sharp with the heats of the Clare Decider.
If tidal and weather conditions are favourable, then organisers have pre- dicted a “fine days currach racing”.
Anyone wishing to find out more about the Leon Currach Regatta should call Mick Egan on 087 PAIR SOP
The Leon Currach Regatta is the first of two associated events in Quilty this autumn.
The festival will take place in Quilty from September 26 to 28.