It was a very special and momentous day for Muckross Rowing Club on Sunday - as not only did they launch a new boat - but did so to honour a life-long supporter.

BLESSING: Fr Kieran O’Brien blessed the boat as Kathleen her family and Chairman of Muckross Rowing Club Sean Daly looked on. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan

FAMILY SUPPORT: Kathleen’s family have an association of more than 150 years with Muckross Rowing Club. Kathleen is pictured with her children Bernie Kieran (holding the oar) Brendan and grandchildren Shona and Aine O’Sullivan with Daniel Jack and Katie Murphy. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan

LAUNCH: Muckross Rowing Club celebrated the blessing and launch of a new racing boat - Janousek coxed four which is specially dedicated to Kathleen Murphy of Muckross. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan

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SETTING OFF: Setting off following the blessing of the boat by Fr Kieran O’Brien were Kathleen's grandchildren Shona and Aine O’Sullivan and Daniel Jack and Katie Murphy. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan

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Members and supporters gathered at the club’s boathouse as the club’s newest racing boat, a Janousek coxed four, was officially launched in honour of Kathleen Murphy. The event was made all the more special as it had been so long awaited by the club. While the boat was purchased prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, a launch event at the club was not possible until the recent easing of public health restrictions.

Among the crowd gathered were members of the extended Murphy and Kenny families as well as many of Kathleen’s neighbours and friends from Mangerton Road and beyond.

Kathleen (nee Kenny) was born and raised in Muckross and has enjoyed close family ties with the rowing club from childhood to the present day. The Kennys of Muckross and their extended family have long played a central role in the club extending to over a century, reflected in the names of boats named and launched before in honour of other family members including Micheal Kenny and Jack O’Shea. Kathleen has long been among the most prominent and recognised club’s supporters at the annual Killarney Regatta, proudly sporting the club’s yellow colours while cheering on crews at all levels from Juvenile to Senior and Veteran. Together with her late husband Jerry, Kathleen has also played a central role in fundraising for the club with countless tickets sold weekly for the local Muckross Lottery since its launch in early 1990s. Both Kathleen and Jerry were previously recognised for their contribution to the club and both named as Vice Presidents. Kathleen and Jerry’s children and grandchildren continue the family tradition both on the lake and onshore, contributing to the club’s success and development as active rowers, coaches and committee members.

Presiding over the launch was Club Chairman Sean Daly and the blessing of the boat was carried out by Fr Kieran O’Brien.

The club was also delighted to welcome Emer Corridan, General Manager of the Cahernane House Hotel – whose sponsorship of the club supported the boat’s purchase.

The ceremonial popping of the champagne cork was carried out by Kathleen’s granddaughter Áine, and after a sprinkling of the bow, the boat was formally launched on the water by five of Kathleen’s grandchildren – Áine and Shona O’Sullivan, Daniel, Jack and Katie Murphy. The special launch event was an emotional day for the family and club with many memories of Kathleen’s late husband Jerry, whose anniversary was recently observed, in addition to family members gone before. Speaking on behalf of Kathleen, her son Kieran spoke of the great honour for Kathleen and her family to have one of the club’s racing boats named in her honour. Kieran expressed the family’s gratitude to the club, its committee and Chairman Sean Daly, President Maurice Coffey and Vice Presidents and to all the members, supporters and friends in attendance. The ceremonial proceedings were followed by refreshments outside the club’s new boathouse.