Muckross Rowing Club will host a landmark event on Sunday to officially launch and bless three new additions to its racing fleet.

The ceremony is scheduled to take place at the club’s boathouse at 2pm and represents a significant moment in the club’s long-standing history.

The club has issued an open invitation to all past and present members, as well as supporters, friends, and family, to join in the celebrations.

Following the formal blessing and naming of the boats, light refreshments will be served at the boathouse for all attendees.

For those planning to attend the event, parking will be situated at the Muckross House car park.

The club has requested that anyone requiring parking access closer to the boathouse make contact with a committee member in advance so that appropriate assistance and arrangements can be made.

The core of the celebration is the naming of the boats in honour of three of the club’s most distinguished athletes: Paul Griffin, Sean Casey, and Cathal Moynihan.

These three oarsmen achieved the ultimate success in the sport by representing Ireland at the 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games.

Having started their journeys as Muckross juniors before rising through the international ranks, their legacy continues to be a major source of pride for the club as they are immortalised in the newest fleet.

Killarney Racecourse has confirmed a schedule change for its upcoming May Fest to avoid a direct clash with the Munster Senior Football Final.

Following a proactive request by local management, the Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) Fixtures Committee has approved a date swap between Killarney and Cork Racecourse.

Killarney’s National Hunt fixture, originally scheduled for Sunday, May 10, will now take place on Saturday, May 9.

In exchange, Cork Racecourse will move its Saturday meeting to the Sunday slot.

The decision was made following confirmation that the Munster Football Final is set for Sunday, May 10.

As the reigning All-Ireland champions, Kerry are widely expected to feature in the provincial decider.

Should they qualify, the match would likely be held at Fitzgerald Stadium, creating significant logistical pressure on the town.

Manager at Killarney Racecourse, Karl McCay said:
“There is a lot of football to be played before May but once the dates were confirmed we thought it best to be proactive and seek a swap with Cork. A Munster Final in Killarney on the same day as a race meeting would have had a significant impact on stable staff travelling horses, as well as on connections, other industry staff and racegoers intending to be there. On behalf of Killarney Racecourse, I would just like to offer our appreciation to everyone at Cork Racecourse for switching days with us that weekend in May,” McCay stated.

The Killarney May Fest will now run from Saturday, May 9 through Tuesday, May 12, offering fans a mix of National Hunt and Flat racing in a more manageable environment.