Let the craic begin...As Mike Kenmare O'Sullivan, cox, Derry Doyle Stroke and Timothy O'Shea taking part in the Muckross House Heritage Race. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan/FREE

Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the 'Elizabeth Rose' Killarney Sixes - racing boat and Muckross House Heritage Race. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan/FREE PIc***

Disco, Rowing Heritage day and Blessing of Boats will go ahead!

The decision to cancel this year's Killarney Regatta Festival which is due to take place this Sunday at Killarney Golf and Fishing Club, will come at no surprise to the rowing fraternity.

The 237th annual traditional regatta is now officially cancelled. The forecast is for strong winds (SW) and gusts of up to 55 km/h, with more rain throughout the day. Already the shore at Killarney Golf and Fishing Club has risen considerably, making it unsafe for boats mooring and travelling across from their respective boathouses.

This September Killarney has an average of 19 rainy days and around 117mm of rainfall!
Well above yearly averages. But there is light at the end of the boat.

The end of season rowing disco and selection of Regatta Queen will take place in Killarney Oaks Hotel on Thursday 25th September doors open at 8.00pm, tickets are available from the rowing clubs €10.

It is hoped to continue and set aside a date for the ‘Rowing Heritage Day’ in October. The much anticipated ‘Mixed Heritage Race’ - ‘Muckross House Trustee Cup’ and Blessing of Flesk Rowing Clubs racing boats “the Patricia” and “the Deirdre” - both historical boats raced for over 100 years on Lough Lein.
Last year's winners of The Mixed Heritage Race - 'Dinis Cottage' will be hoping to defend their title. The winning crew included: Mike ‘Kenmare’ O’Sullivan, Cox, John B. Cronin, John Beazley, Kevin Tangney, Derry Doyle, Bill Lyne and Paschal Dower.

Paddy Cronin, Chairman of Killarney Regatta Festival “ We have been unfortunate with the weather, we can only deal with the charts in front of us. Safety is our priority at all times. We wish to thank Killarney Golf and Fishing Club for their understanding, Cllr Martin Grady, the volunteers and suppliers for their cooperation, we appreciate all your help with keeping alive this unique Killarney traditional regatta. We hope to see you in great numbers for our Rowing Heritage Day in October”