Roscommon, A Venue for Shannon Yachting Today and Yesterday Vincent Delany - by Part funded by
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Roscommon,
A Venue for Shannon Yachting
Today and Yesterday
by
Vincent Delany
Part funded by
The Roscommon County Council Research Bursary
October 2016.
1
Map 1. ROSCOMMON YACHTING VENUES. THOSE REFERRED TO IN THE
TEXT ARE SHOWN IN RED. THE RIVER SHANNON FOLLOWS THE
EASTERN BORDER OF ROSCOMMON COUNTY.
2
1.0 CONTENTS
1.0 Contents……………………………………………………………….page 3.
2.0 Schedule of maps……………………...………………………..…………...4.
3.0 Schedule of illustrations……………………………………………...……..5.
4.0 Methodology……..…………………………………………………………7.
5.0 Introduction…………………………………………………………...…….9.
6.0 Killinure Yacht Club………………………………………………………11.
7.0 Athlone Yacht Club regattas………………………………………………14.
8.0 Lough Allen regattas………………………………………………………16.
9.0 Lough Key regattas………………………………………………………..21.
10.0 Gailey Bay regattas, Lough Ree………………………………………….27.
11.00 North Shannon Yacht Club……………………………………………..38.
12.0 Hydroplane racing at Tarmonbarry………………………………………45.
13.0 Lough Ree Yacht Club, at Lenihan’s Hodson Bay Hotel………………..49.
14.0 Inland Waterways Association of Ireland………………………………..53.
15.0 Conclusions………………………………………………………………55.
16.0 References………………………………………………………………..56.
3
2.0 SCHEDULE OF MAPS
Map 1.- County Roscommon, showing yachting venues………….page 2.
Map 2.- Killenure Lough, off Lough Ree.1……………………………..11.
Map 3.- Lower Lough Ree.2…………………………………………….12.
Map 4.-Hodson Bay on Lough Ree.3……………………………………15.
Map 5.-Lough Allen……………………………………………………..17.
Map 6.- O’Reilly’s Island, Lough Allen.4……………………………….20.
Map 7- Mid Lough Ree and Gailey Bay5………………………………..27.
Map 8.- North Shannon Yacht Club premises at Killmore.6…………….38.
Map 9.- River Shannon at Tarmonbarry.7………………………………..45.
1
Killinure, Map of Waterston Demesne, (N.L.I. MS 14A 29).
2
H. J. Rice, Thanks for the memory (Athlone, 1954), p.214.
3
Ordnance Survey Map original edition (www.myplan.ie) (21 Sept. 2016).
4
Ibid.
5
H. J. Rice, Thanks for the memory (Athlone, 1954), p.51.
6
Ordnance Survey Map, original edition (www.myplan.ie) (21 Sept. 2016).
7
Ibid.
4
3.0 SCHEDULE OF ILLUSTRATIONS
Image 1.- The type of vessel used by members of Killinure Yacht Club.8…...13.
Image 2.- Hodson Bay, home of Leonard Hodson.9 …………………………..14.
Image 3.-O’Conor’s Lough Allen Lodge.10…………………………………...16.
Image 4.-Newspaper advertisement for Lough Allen regatta.11……………….18.
Image 5.-O’Conor’s boathouse at Lough Allen Island12……………………....19.
Image 6. Water Wags on Lough Allen in 2015………………………………..20.
Image 7. Lough Key and Rockingham, seat of Viscount Lorton.13 ………..…22.
Image 8.- Colleen yacht moored at Rockingham harbor in the 1890s.14…...…23.
Image 9.- Steamer at Rockingham harbor in the 1890s.15……………………..23.
Image 10.- S.V. Grania moored at Lough Key.16……………………………...25.
Image 11.-Lough Key shore-side facilities.17………………………………….25.
Image 12.-Programme for Gailey Bay regatta………………………………...28.
Image 13.- The regatta scene at Gailey Castle in 1903.18………………………
Image 14.- Results of rowing races at Gailey Bay Regatta……………………35.
Image 15.- Gailey bay competitors and committee……………………………35.
Image 16.- The Audax, owned by William Potts.19……………………………36.
Image 17.- Yachts Amorita, Vill-u-an, Foam and Witch racing on Lough Ree.
Image 18.- Gailey Castle in 2015.20
8
Athlone Independent, 4 June 1834.
9
Hodson Bay, (https://s-media-cache-
ak0.pining/originals/26/19/93/26199343162ff80255ffa3a5b85a5b02.jpg) (6 Oct 2016).
10
Christiaan Corlett, Jane W. Shackleton’s Ireland (Cork, 2012)
11
Roscommon and Leitrim Gazette, 30 July 1859.
12
Christiaan Corlett, Jane W. Shackleton’s Ireland (Cork, 2012)
13
Rockingham, seat of Viscount Lorton. (N.L.I. ET A696) (Formerly N.L.I. 1612TA).
14
Boat harbor Rockingham, (N.L.I. Lawrence collection L_CAB_07 854).
15
Boat harbor Rockingham, (N.L.I. Lawrence collection L_CAB_07 854).
16
IWAI archives.
17
Alf Delany archives in possession of the Vincent Delany, Dun Laoghaire.
18
Water Wag Club archives in possession of the Vincent Delany, Dun Laoghaire.
19
Lough Ree Yacht Club archives, Hillquarter, Athlone.
5
Image 19.-Unloading Dublin Bay Water Wags at Jamestown Canal in 1904.21
Image 20.-North Shannon Yacht Club regatta and the clubhouse c.1920.22
Image 21.-North Shannon Yacht Club regatta and houseboats c.1920.23
Image 22.- The military band at North Shannon regatta c. 1920.24
Image 23.- Water Wags at Lough Boderg 2015.25
Image 24.-Alfred F. Delany’s hydroplane, Hold Everythin’III. 26
Image 25.- Hydroplanes on the river Bann.
Image 26.- Lough Ree regatta competitors at Hodson Bay in 1958.27
Image 27.- Lough Ree regatta scene at Hodson Bay c. 1960s.
Image 28.- Jimmy Furey in his workshop 2015.
Image 29.- I.W.A.I. rally at Roosky in 1964.28
20
Copyright, Con Murphy, Rathfarnham.
21
Water Wag archives in possession of Vincent Delany, Dun Laoghaire.
22
Alf Delany archives, in possession of Vincent Delany, Dun Laoghaire.
23
Ibid.
24
Ibid.
25
Water Wag newsletter 2015.
26
Longford Leader, 15 Aug. 1931.
27
S.O.D.A. archives in possession of Ruth Delany, Killiney.
28
I.W.A.I. archives.
6
4.0 METHODOLOGY
As a lifelong active Shannon yachtsman, who has, since the 1950s, spent
many happy hours cruising, and racing to and from the banks of County
Roscommon, I believe I have an insight into the motivation of yachtsmen of the
past, and of today.
My methodology consists of reading the available documentation on the
subject, of which there is surprisingly little written material. (See bibliography
below.) A detailed survey of engravings on the club trophies at the Lough Ree
Yacht Club was undertaken. This gave me the names of many of the gentlemen
who competed in yachting events. Many of these trophies originated at the North
Shannon Yacht Club, which is no longer active. (See Chapter 11.) I examined
regatta programmes on display at Lough Ree Yacht Club premises in Ballyglass/
Hillquarter, Co. Westmeath. This led me to a study Gailey Bay, and the regattas
which took place there, and ultimately to organize and compete in a 21st century
regatta there in 2015. The next step was to research the history of the Crofton
family from Mote Park, and Lady Georgina Crofton’s diaries of 1835-7529
which illustrate the lifestyle and interests of the family. Lord Edward Henry
Churchill Crofton competed at a regatta held on Lough Key, organised by
Robert King of Rockingham, in the 1850s. King’s regattas at Lough Key were
run in sequence with Michael O’Conor’s regattas at Lough Allen. Edward King-
Tenison and Lady Tenison of Kilronan Castle were patrons to the Lough Allen
regattas. This led me to visit Kilronan Castle,30 and research the King-Tenisons,
who later became Earls of Kingston. Henry Edwin 9th. Earl of Kingston (1874-
29
Georgina Crofton’s Diary, (N.L.I. MSS 4066-4072).
30
Kilronan Castle, Keadue, is now a hotel.
7
1946) raced at Gailey Bay, and was, in 1900, elected commodore of the North
Shannon Yacht Club which operated at the time on Lough Boderg.
The local newspapers such as Athlone Independent, Athlone Times, Athlone
Sentinel, Freeman’s Journal, Leitrim Observer, Roscommon and Leitrim
Gazette, Roscommon Journal, Roscommon Herald, Roscommon Messenger and
many others were studied, to obtain regatta advertisements and reports. The
newspaper reporters did not fully understand yachting, so many gave more
attention to the rowing races for the bogmen,31 which took place at regattas.
These reports described the huge numbers of country people who turned up at
the regattas to have a good time, and to observe the great yachts. In addition to
the newspapers the Hunt’s Yachting Magazine provided infrequent (but
technically accurate) reports on yachting activities in Irelands inland waters.
They assumed that yachts with names like Foam or Dream, were the same
yachts which raced at Cowes or on the Clyde. Generally, sailing yachts which
raced on the Shannon stayed on the Shannon, and didn’t travel further afield.
A substantial archive of race results, photographs, programmes and reports
were acquired by, and relate to the time when my late grandfather, Vincent S.
Delany,32 and my late uncle Vincent T. H. Delany33 who competed at regattas.
I have visited the Roscommon county libraries, at Boyle, and at Roscommon
town, to source background information relating to the times when regattas took
place, and to provide insight into the events of 1916.
31
Men who transported turf from place to place were described as ‘bogmen’.
32
Of Mohill, Co. Longford, and subsequently Church St. Longford.
33
Of Longford, Dublin and Belfast
8
3.0 INTRODUCTION
My recent National University of Ireland, Maynooth, M.A. (history) thesis
‘Yachting and Yachtsmen on the River Shannon, 1830-1930’ investigates the
organisation of yachting on the River Shannon through the nineteenth century, and
the first third of the twentieth century. It demonstrates how yachting contributed to
the quality of life, for all the Shannon-side occupants of the Irish midlands, not only
those who were rich enough to own a yacht.
This document, which was prepared for Roscommon County Council,
highlights the yachting activities on the eastern edge of that county, and describes
how yachting was, and continues to be beneficial to the economy, and culture of a
part of Ireland relatively unknown to Irish and European tourists.
My thesis reveals that the three dominant yachting activities on the Shannon,
were yacht racing, cruises-in-company, and military manoeuvers. Between 1830 and
the present day, Roscommon has been a venue for each of these types of yachting. In
particular, Lough Ree was the site of military manoeuvers organised by the Athlone
Yacht Club, cruising on the Shannon always existed, but grew rapidly following the
foundation of the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland by my namesake34 and
others in 1953. Yacht racing and cruising took place on Roscommon waters, at
Lough Allen, Lough Key, Lough Boderg and Bofin, Carnadoe Waters, Lough
Forbes, Tarmonbarry and Lough Ree. By yachts, we include houseboats and motor
boats.
The geography of England, Scotland and Wales, is quite different from
Ireland, and in particular from Roscommon, which enjoys extensive areas of
34
Vincent Thomas Higgins ‘Pompey’ Delany.
9
sheltered inter-linked navigable waters, ideally suited to various types of yachting
activities.
The thesis has sections relating to the role of women in yachting, and the role
of professional boatmen or ‘paid hands’. These sections have been omitted from this
Roscommon essay, in order to avoid duplication.
The references to the Rising in Dublin of 1916 was scarcely referred to in my
thesis, mainly because many of the competitors in yachting events had an army
career, and were required to return to their regiments as soon as war was declared in
August 1914. Thereafter, regattas and yacht racing and activities were generally
discontinued for the duration of the great war, and resumed in 1919 only to be
disrupted again during that period of civil unrest.
105.0 KILLINURE YACHT CLUB
This club was founded in 1831 by Robert Temple from Waterston House in
Co. Westmeath. Three members of the Hodson family were founder members of
Map 2. KILLINURE LOUGH, OFF LOUGH REE, SHOWING TEMPLE
ISLAND, HOME OF THE KILLENURE YACHT CLUB LOCATED CLOSE TO
PORTANEENA (LOCATION OF WINEPORT RESTAURANT TODAY).
the club. They were John Hodson snr.35, Edward Hodson36 and John Hodson
jnr.37 The club organized yacht cruising, drinking and dining on Temple Island
on the inner lakes of Lough Ree. (See map 2 above). James O’Donnell prepared
an estate map of the Waterston estate in 178638 which clearly shows a yacht
heading out to Temple Island, and a small house on the island which was later to
be adapted as a clubhouse. Among the yachts which partook in the yacht club
35
Who probably lived at Twyford, Westmeath.
36
Who lived at Twyford before he moved to ‘Rockhill’, Roscommon.
37
Lived at Johnsport, Carrownure Lr., Co. Roscommon at the time of Griffiths valuation.
38
James O’Donnell map of Waterston Demesne, 1786 (N.L.I. MS 14A 29).
11activities, were Don Juan,39 Louisa40 and Water Witch, which belonged to
Edward Hodson, vice-commodore of the club.
The breeze being rather fresh,
none of the vessels attempted to
hoist their topsails41 etc. The
Water Witch, the property of the
Vice-Commodore, appeared to
sail remarkably well; & it being
her first trip this season, she
commanded much attention.42
The object of this club was to
provide a social outlet from
members of the gentry, during the
summer months, outside of the
hunting season.
The yachts cruised and pic-
nicked around Lough Ree, and
Map 3. LOWER LOUGH REE SHOWING
KILLINURE, ATHLONE AND HODSON'S visited the ‘big’ houses of
BAY.
Roscommon, Westmeath and
Longford, such as ‘Hodson’s Bay’, ‘New Park’ or ‘Kilmore.’43
The character of the club can be found in the report below:
The members of the Killinure Yacht Club assembled on Tuesday last
on the inner lake, and at 5 o’clock they rendevoused at Temple Island,
where they dined. Their excellent and estimable Commodore, R. H.
Temple Esq.44, presided, and it gives us much pleasure to state that he
appeared in the enjoyment of renewed health, and contributed in
every way to the hilarity of a very pleasant and sociable
evening….……….As several pic-nic parties are fixed for this week,
39
Owned by John Cuppaidge of Rahugh, Co. Roscommon.
40
Belonging to Robert Temple. (see map seven of Gailey Bay).
41
Topsail is a three or four sided sail only used when the winds are fair. (See image one.)
42
Athlone Independent, 1 July 1835.
43
Rolf Loeber, ‘Demesnes on the shores of Lough Ree and Lower Lough Erne’ in Bernadette
Cunningham & Harman Murtagh (eds) Lough Ree, historic lakeland settlement (Dublin, 2015), pp
153-7.
44
Robert Handcock-Temple
12the K.Y.C. postponed their intended cruise until Monday next, when
they weigh anchor for a week’s sailing, under the orders of the
Commodore.45
The club collapsed within a few years of its foundation, due to the excessive
time and money demands of the Commodore, Robert Temple, of ‘Waterston.’
The Nationalist Rising of 1916 did not have any impact on the Killinure
Yacht Club, as that club had collapsed many years prior to 1916. However, the
descendants of the members found the new Ireland to be an inhospitable place
for the Anglo-Irish gentry, and the big houses did not survive in the new
environment. ‘Waterston’ was sold for building materials in 1928.46 ‘Moydrum
Castle’ was burned in July 1921,47 ‘Hodsons Bay’ was sold and converted into a
hotel, and ‘Kilmore’ was in ruins by 1832.48
Image 1. SHOWING THE TYPE OF HOOKER STYLE YACHT OWNED BY
MEMBERS OF KILLINURE YACHT CLUB. IT SHOWS A JIB AND
FORESAIL ATTACHED TO THE BOWSPRIT, A GAFF RIGGED MAINSAIL,
AND A GAFF RIGGED TOPSAIL.
45
Westmeath Independent, 24 June 1835.
46
Richard Coplen, The rise and fall of a south Westmeath estate – Undated thesis in Aidan Heavey
Library, Athlone.
47
Jeremiah Sheehan, South Westmeath farm and folk (Dublin, 1978), p.46.
48
Rolf Loeber, ‘Demesnes on the shores of Lough Ree and Lower Lough Erne’ in Bernadette
Cunningham & Harman Murtagh (eds) Lough Ree, historic lakeland settlement (Dublin, 2015), p.
153.
134.0 ATHLONE YACHT CLUB
From 1770, and possibly earlier, town regattas were organized on
Lough Ree by the Athlone Yacht Club. Most regattas were based in
Westmeath but there was one exception. A report from A Young Irishman’s
Diary49 describes the annual Athlone regatta taking place in Roscommon.
Ballyglass Hill lies between Ballykeeran50 and the Shannon. It is here
that the tents are pitched, and the people assemble annually to witness
the regatta on Lough Ree. Thornley and I51 went there in August, and
a pleasant day we had, although we got wet to the skin crossing from
the Westmeath side to the Roscommon side, where the regatta was
held this year. Mr. John O’Connell, who was present, is a small man,
about 5ft. 5in. with sandy whiskers and probably about 29 years of
age.
John O’Connell was
born in Dublin in 1910, the
third son of Daniel O’Connell,
‘The Liberator’. He was
elected (without a contest) to
represent Athlone in the 1837
election,52 as a Liberal
Image 2. HODSON’S BAY IN THE 19th
(Repealer). If he was aged
CENTURY, HOME OF LEONARD HODSON.
twenty-nine, this report must be dated about 1838 or 1839. Leonard Hodson
of ‘Hodson’s Bay’ was on the regatta committee from 183653,
It is probable that he arranged that the yachts would start or finish one of
their races on the Roscommon shore, close to the Hodson family home,
49
Rev. Wallace Clare (ed.), A young Irishman’s diary, (1836-1847) being extracts from the early
journal of John Keegan of Moate (1928, March), p. 12.
50
Ballykeeran is on the N55 between Athlone and Glassan.
51
John Keegan of Moate.
52
Jim Lenehan, Politics and society in Athlone 1830-1885, A rotten borough (Dublin, 1999), pp 27-8.
53
Athlone Sentinel, 22 July 1836.
14Hodson’s Bay. A report on the 1838 regatta, which took place on 11th
September and the following three days, describe the events as:
A race for yachts not exceeding 30 tons, open to yachts from any part
of Ireland, - a timed race for a silver cup, value 20 gns. 54
There is no reference to the course set for the yachts. The yachts which took
part were Leonard Hudson’s Lady of the Lake, Mr. Potts Esq’s55 Peri and
Captain Smith’s Midge.56 One could assume that the yacht race finished at
Hodson’s Bay. There was no Athlone regatta in 1839.
Map 4. HODSON’S BAY ON THE ROSCOMMON SHORE, OPPOSITE
BALLYGLASS, THE TRADITIONAL VENUE FOR THE ATHLONE
REGATTAS AT THE SOUTH END OF LOUGH REE.
Although Ballyglass Co. Westmeath was the main venue of Athlone Yacht Club
regatta, the evidence above shows that the regattas also took place in Roscommon in
the mid 19th century.
It was not until the 1958 that the Lough Ree regattas returned to Hodson Bay.
(See 13.0 below.)
54
Athlone Sentinel, 31 Aug. 1838.
55
Of Correen Castle, Co. Roscommon.
56
Athlone Sentinel, 14 Sept 1838.
156.0 LOUGH ALLEN REGATTAS
Image 3. LOUGH-ALLEN LODGE, THE FISHING LODGE
BELONGING TO THE O’CONOR’S, PICTURED IN 1903.
Michael O’Conor owned a clematis covered57 fishing lodge on a four
acre island, known as O’Reilly’s Island, at the south end of Lough Allen. The
lake is eight miles long by three miles wide, and 159 feet above sea level.58
The island was named after the O’Reilly brothers who operated an iron
foundry in the area in the early nineteenth century.59
It was here that Michael O’Conor organized annual regattas, from
1856 until 1871. Up to four large sailing yachts competed for a silver
challenge cup in each regatta. This was generally followed by rowing races
for gentlemen and for bogmen. These regattas attracted much of the gentry
from North Roscommon as spectators.
57
Jane Wigham Shackleton Diary, in possession of Richard Shackleton.
58
James Fraser, Hand book for travellers in Ireland descriptive of its scenery, towns, seats, etc, with
all the railways now open (Dublin, 1859), p. 439.
59
Jane Wigham Shackleton Diary, in possession of Richard Shackleton.
16Map 5. LOUGH ALLEN TODAY. AT THE SOUTH END OF THE LAKE, ONE
CAN SEE THE PENINSULA WHICH WAS ONCE O’REILLY’S ISLAND. AT
BOTTOM LEFT IS KEADEW, THE LOCATION OF KILRONAN CASTLE,
HOME OF THE KING-TENIONS.
17Image 4. NEWSPAPER NOTICE
ADVERTISING THE REGATTA.
A
considerable party of spectators assembled as usual,
at Lough-Allen Island, the beautiful residence of M.
O’Conor Esq. which commends an unobstructed
view of the excellent sailing course afforded by this
noble expanse of water. Among the company
present we observed the following, Edward King-
Tenison Esq., and Lady Tenison, ‘Kilronan Castle’,
Captain and Mrs. Tottenham (‘Glenfarne’), Mr. and
the Misses Mansfield, Mr. Phillips, Madame de
Janvern, Captain and Mrs. and the Misses Birchill
(‘Black-rock’), Captain (John Robert) Irwin,
Roscommon Regiment, Captain Duckworth
(‘Mount Erris, Boyle),Francis la Touche Esq.
‘Drumhierny’, and Rev. J. Radcliffe (Curate of
Dowra, Kilmore).60
O’Conor built a new yacht, The Avenger, in
1861 with the objective of winning the regatta.
Who built the yacht? Were the necessary skills
available in the area at that time?
The Avenger was built by Richard Pudley, of Dublin, who was
previously foreman at the well-known Dublin yacht builder, Marshall.
61
Forty years later, in 1903, Jane W. Shackleton from Lucan, travelled
to Lough Allen in her motor boat The Pearl, and photographed the workshop
in which the yacht was built. At that time there was an old yacht stored on the
shore, without a mast, which appeared to have been converted into a motor
boat, by the addition of a small cabin. (See image five below). Was this the
remains of the Avenger? It probably was. For more information on these
60
Lough Allen regatta, in Hunt’s Yachting Magazine, x (1861), p. 458.
61
Ibid.
18regattas, one should consult my thesis.
In 1903, Major O’Conor, then an old man, who owned a steam boat,
named The Iris, which was powered by coal from the adjoining mines at
Arigna.62 She was probably the only pleasure boat operating on the lake at
that time.
Image 5. THE O’CONOR BOATHOUSE ON LOUGH ALLEN ISLAND IN 1902.
By 1916, the environment in County Roscommon had changed,
following the land war, landlords or other gentlemen rarely had the
disposable funds to pay for large yachts. The canal from Lough Allen to
Carrick-on-Shannon was silted up and had been replaced by the Cavan and
Leitrim railway, for which the King-Tenisons were one of the main
investors.63 Lough Allen regattas were no longer taking place. Thus the
Nationalist Rising had no direct impact on the yachting activities, but it did
62
Jane Wigham Shackleton diary, in possession of Richard Shackleton.
63
Freeman’s Journal, 6 May 1885.
19impact on the gentlemen who had served on the Grand Jurys and who ran the
political life of Roscommon.
The Water Wag Club from Dun Laoghaire re-enacted the Lough
Allen regatta in September 2014, when six Water Wag dinghies from Dublin
returned to Lough Allen, to hold what was probably the first regatta there for
one hundred and forty-three years.64 Although there is no record of the lake
having been surveyed for hidden rocks etc., the lake which is unobstructed by
islands, was found to be ideal for yacht cruising and racing.65
Image 6. WATER WAGS PENELOPE (No.16), MOOSMIE (No.15), MOLLIE
(No.41), CHLOE (No.34) AND GOOD HOPE (No.18) RACING ON LOUGH
ALLEN IN 2014 COMPETING IN THE SIMON NOLAN DOWNHILL RACE.
One characteristic of the lake observed by Jane Wigham Shackleton,66 and still true
today, is its lack of good harbours and shelter, in the event that the wind being too
strong ind become too strong on the lake, and vessels looking for shelter.
64
Fergus Cullen, ‘Simon Nolan 10th Anniversary Downhill’ in Water Wag Newsletter, 2014 p.31.
65
Ibid.
66
Jane Wigham Shackleton Diary, in possession of Richard Shackleton.
20Map 6. O'REILLY'S ISLAND AT THE SOUTH END OF LOUGH ALLEN, SITE
OF MR O'CONOR'S FISHING LODGE. NOTE THAT TODAY THE WATER
LEVEL ON THE LAKE IS DIFFERENT FROM THE 1860s AND THE ISLAND
IS NOW ATTACHED TO THE ROSCOMMON SHORE.
215.0 LOUGH KEY REGATTAS
Following the success of Lough Allen regattas (see 6.0 above), Robert King, 2nd
Viscount Lorton, and later to be 6th. Earl of Kingston, deputy lieutenant for County
Roscommon67 and owner of Rockingham, Boyle, and Lough Key, did not want to be
upstaged, so, he organized his own annual regattas at Lough Key, from 1858. The
lake which is approximately 5.1 km. by 3.0 km., is much smaller than Lough Allen,
and the open water is obstructed by many tree covered islands (see image seven).
Because the lake is really too small for racing of large yachts, the regatta courses
required the yachts sail three laps of the course.68 Robert King’s influence in
Roscommon was such, that all the gentry of Roscommon wanted to be involved.
STEWARDS FOR LOUGH KEY REGATTA 1861
Land holding in
Name Address 1871 Position
Frenchpark,
Lord de Freyne Roscommon 25,436 ac. Magistrate
Member of
Parliament.
Colonel of the
Frenchpark, Roscommon
Fitzstephen French Roscommon 16,915 ac. Militia.
Member of
Parliament.
Deputy Lieutenant
for Roscommon.
Clonalis, Foreman of Grand
The O'Conor Don Roscommon 13,000 ac. Jury 1899.
Lieutenant for
Castle Roscommon.
Edward King- Tenison, Custos
Tenison Keadue. 11,345 ac. Rotolorum.
Rockville, Deputy Lieutenant
A.F. Lloyd Roscommon. 7,000 ac. for Roscommon
Deputy Lieutenant
Drumdoe, for Roscommon.
Captain Matthew Boyle, Member of Grand
Flanagan Roscommon. Jury 1899.
Vice Chairman
Roscommon
Beechwood, Union. Member of
Captain Irwin Roscommon Grand Jury 1899.
67
Thom’s directory 1862, (http://www.libraryireland.com/Thom1862/Roscommon.php) (6 Oct. 2016)
68
Anon., ‘Lough Key Regatta’ in Hunts Yachting Magazine, xi (1862), p.460.
22Captain John
Arthur Howard Mount Allen,
Gorges Drumshanbo.
Magistrate,
Deputy Vice
Captain W. Mount Erris, Chairman Boyle
Duckworth Boyle Union.
James Thomas Resident
Butler R.M. Boyle Magistrate Boyle.
Lough-Allen
Michael O'Conor Lodge
Joseph Bennett Kilrush,
Little Ballinamore. Magistrate
On regatta day in 1862, Robert King, opened the gates of his demesne to his tenants.
Such an act was unheard of in the nineteenth century.
The band of the county regiment performed during the day, alternately between
the private pleasure grounds of Rockingham and the Castle Island, while Robert
King, as usual, had all the gates of the demesne thrown open from an early hour
in the morning.69
IMAGE 7. A VIEW OF LOUGH KEY BETWEEN 1838-1880 BY J. NEWMAN.
ROCKINGHAM HOUSE IS IN THE MIDDLE DISTANCE, CASTLE ISLAND
ON
69 THE LEFT, AND MEDIEVAL REMAINS ON CHURCH ISLAND IN THE
Anon., ‘Lough Key Regatta’ in Hunt’s Yachting Magazine, xi (1862), p. 460-1
FOREGROUND. (N.L.I. ET A686).
23It must be assumed that drinking tents were erected on the demesne for the
tenants, and the residents of Boyle and the
surrounding townlands. The numbers of
yachts competing was small, generally no
more than six yachts. The premier prize at
Lough Key regatta of 1862, The Challenge
cup, was at sixty sovereigns, one of the most
valuable prize ever raced for at a Shannon
regatta.70
Regattas were held from 1858 until 1862
Image 8, COLLEEN SAILING
YACHT AT ROCKINGHAM when an accidental fire caused substantial
HARBOUR IN THE 1890s
damage to ‘Rockingham.’ From 1862, there
were yachts and steamers on Lough Key, but no more formal regattas were held
there.
The 1916 Rising in Dublin did
not have a direct impact on the
yachting scene on Lough Key.
However, by 1918 the Irish
Republican Brotherhood had laid
plans for securing arms wherever
possible for the nationalist
struggle, which they knew lay
ahead. Instructions were passed
Image 9, BOATMEN WITH A STEAMER IN
from H.Q. to volunteer units ROCKINGHAM HARBOUR 1890s.
throughout the country to seize any arms they could lay hands on in each locality.
70
Roscommon Herald, 5 July 1862.
24One of the places where a quantity of arms and ammunition were stored, was
the gun room in Rockingham House, the seat of Sir Thomas Stafford, Bart.
Accordingly, a plan was drawn up for what has become known as the ‘Rockingham
Raid’. It was carried out by I.R.B. men from Boyle and Ballymote, was one of the
first raids for arms in the struggle for independence which followed the 1916 Rising.
It was planned and carried to success without a hitch. The people of North
Roscommon, were prepared to take more active steps to gain their freedom.
The ‘Rockingham raid’ took place in February 1918, and in charge of the
operation was Alec McCabe, with Patrick Delahunty, James P. Dodd, James Turbitt,
James Haran, Stephen Brennan, John Sheerin, Martin Killalea, Patrick Sheerin,
Patrick Spelman, James E. Feely, from Boyle, and Batt Keaney, Keash, and Michael
McGuire, Ballymote. The latter drove his car from Ballymote, accompanied by
McCabe and Keaney. They met the Boyle unit at the first Rockingham gate on the
Carrick Road. The raiding party then went on foot to Rockingham House, and split
into two sections, one section approaching from the rear and the other arriving at the
main entrance. The butler (possibly Patrick Regan)71 answered a knock at the hall
door, and when he inquired who was there, the name of an employee of the estate
was given. The unfortunate butler opened the door, only to be confronted by a party
of raiders. When he tried to close the door again he was overpowered, tied up and
gagged. The other section entered by the kitchen, where they found the downstairs
staff engaged in a card game. All72 the staff were taken to one room, and held under
guard while the rest of the raiding party went to the gun room, where they stole three
rifles, fifteen shotguns and a large quantity of ammunition. Thomas Stafford (who
was a Roman Catholic)73 and his family were absent from the house at the time.74
However, Rockingham survived as the home of the King-Harman family, until
71
National Archives, census of Ireland
1911(http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/reels/nai003193304/) (12 Oct. 2016).
72
In 1911 census there were only five household staff, all of whom were Irish from Roscommon
except the cook, Mary Downes who was from Dublin.
73
National Archives, census of Ireland
1911(http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/reels/nai003193304/) (10 Oct.2016).
74
The Rockingham Raid (http://www.theirishstory.com/2012/08/31/the-rockingham-
raid/#.V_doCo8rLIU) (7 Oct. 2016).
25the accidental fire of 1957, which destroyed the house for ever. 75
In 1925, in a
remarkable piece
of navigation, the
sea- going yacht
Grania, owned
by R. Purcell, a
Image 10. GRANIA MOORED ON LOUGH KEY AT
ROCKINGHAM. member of the
Royal Yacht Squadron,76 travelled from Cowes to the Shannon Estuary, and thence
to Lough Key, where he moored at ‘Rockingham’.77 This cruise was remarkable, as
the Grania was the largest and deepest vessel to navigate the full length of the
Shannon for many years.
From 1961 the Inland Waterways of Ireland (see section 10.0) organised rallies
for motor boats, and houseboats on the Shannon. Many of these rallies culminated in
several day’s activities and competitions on Lough Key. In 1961, sponsorship from a
fuel company provided great encouragement to participants in the rally.78 The Rock
of Doon was the final destination of the first rally.
75
The Rockingham fire (http://www.boyletoday.com/57-years-since-rockingham-fire/) (10 Oct.
2016).
76
The most prestigious royal yacht club in Cowes.
77
R. Purcell, Log of the Grania, 1925, in possession of Sean Fitzsimons, Athlone.
78
Chronology of IWAI (www.iwai.ie/history-of-the-iwai/) (10 Oct. 2016).
26Image 11, SHORE SIDE FACILITIES AT LOUGH KEY FOREST PARK.
In 1971, the Rockingham demesne was reconfigured by the Forest and Wildlife
Service as a public recreational park, managed by the Midland Regional Tourism
Organisation, with shore-side facilities for amateur boaters on the lake.79
In 2002, the Dun Laoghaire Water Wags under the direction of Simon Nolan of
Monkstown carried out an exploratory trip to Lough Key, and the Boyle river. The
investigatory flotilla consisted of motor cruisers, Two Hoots, Albertina, and
Whitethorn, along with Water Wag dinghies Ethna, Tomboy and Mary Kate. Races
were held in Lough Key, Oakport Lake, Lough Drumharlow. The event was declared
a huge success, and invitations were sent to the entire thirty-four boat Dun Laoghaire
fleet of Water Wag Club in Dun Laoghaire for the following year.80
In June 2003, Water Wags Shindilla, Tomboy, Badger, Mary Kate, and several
others81 were towed from Dun Laoghaire, and launched in Lough Key. The event,
classed as a ‘Downhill race’, was again organised by Simon Nolan and his family.
The small open sailing yachts raced from Lough Key down the Boyle River to
Knockvicar. More short races took place to the junction with the Shannon, and they
continued downstream to Carrick-on Shannon and beyond.82
79
Chairman’s speech at inauguration of Lough Key Forest Park , 4 June 1971.
80
Simon Nolan, ‘The Unofficial downhill race 2002,’ in Water Wag Newsletter, 2002.
81
Philip Mahony, ‘Shindilla takes on division one’ in Water Wag Newsletter 2003.
82
Ibid.
276.0 GAILEY BAY REGATTA
Map 7. MIDDLE PART OF LOUGH REE WITH GAILEY BAY AND GAILEY
CASTLE LOCATED ON THE ROSCOMMON SHORE ON THE LEFT. THE
LOUISA SHOAL IS NAMED AFTER THE YACHT OF THE SAME NAME.
On the west side of Lough Ree, Lord Crofton organized regattas from 1872
until about 1911. This was a personal enterprise. There was no yacht club at
Gailey Bay. Lord Crofton asked Roscommon based members of Athlone Yacht
Club, and members of Lough Derg Yacht Club to assist in the running of the
event. Due to the distance of ‘Mote Park’, home of Lord Crofton, from the
lakeside, and the fact that Lady Georgina Crofton had no interest in yachting,83
all the activities took place near the boathouse adjoining the old ruinous 14th
O’Kelly castle of Gaily, located at Gailey Bay on Lough Ree.
83
Georgina Crofton Diaries 1835-75 (N.L.I., MS 4066-4072).
28A Longford poet wrote (at the end of the nineteenth century) about the
hospitality offered at Gailey Castle in the past:
One morning in summer, in spirits we went
Away to the Shannon on merriment bent
When we launched a small boat and paddled our way
Across its clear waters to sweet Gailey Bay.
The sail we enjoyed, as the day was so kind,
The green woods of Cashel84 we left far behind,
And just as we landed beyond on the quay
We got a reception at sweet Galey Bay.85
Unlike previous regattas in other locations, the competitors at Gailey Bay regatta
were not housed in the host’s house, ‘Mote
Park’, which was located at a distance from
the lake. The competitors brought houseboats,
some of which (not having motors) were
towed from elsewhere to Gailey Bay.86 Some
competitors stayed in tents. However, Lords
Avonmore and Castlemaine stayed with Lord
Crofton in the big house.87
This regatta was held on the western,
or weather shore. What was the implication
of this? By virtue of being on the sheltered
shore, often yachtsmen departing from shore,
underestimated the wind strength, resulting in
more damage to yachts, more capsizes and
more risk of injury or even drowning of
Image 12 GAILEY BAY REGATTA yachtsmen, in an era when health and safety
PROGRAMME - THE YACHT were not considered paramount.
ILLUSTRATED IS A SOMEWHAT
FANCIFUL TWO-MASTED
OCEAN GOING YACHT OR Hunts Yachting Magazine of 1874
FREIGHTER.
84
Newtowncashel, Co. Longford.
85
Ned ‘The Poet’ Farrell, ‘Galey Bay’ in Sean Cahill, Jimmy Casey and Gearoid O’Brien’s Lough
Ree and its islands (Athlone, 2006), p.65.
86
Interview with Alfred Delany, Clontarf (September 2003).
87
Georgina Crofton Diaries 1835-75 (N.L.I., MS 4066-4072).
29describes a dangerous regatta incident at Gailey:
Weather rather heavy for these small craft (under 5 tons); however, they
gallantly sailed, the course being the same as for the larger yachts (under 30
tons), but only once round. The Secret filled and went down off Woodpoint
buoy. The crew were saved by J.L. Peyton88 who, by good luck, was close
alongside when the accident happened. The Ino won this race, but Captain
Burke89 refused the prize, as The Bella was much delayed when picking up
the crew of The Secret. The race is to be run over again.90
The Roscommon Messenger describes another such incident:
BOATING ACCIDENT ON THE SHANNON
It seems that a small sailing boat, in which there were the Misses Kelly,
Essex Lawn, Roscommon; Master and Miss Murray who reside near
Athlone; and a Mr. Cheeseman, of London, who is on a visit to Mr.
Dawson,91 Manager, National Bank, Roscommon, was sailing down the bay92
when it got caught in one of those sudden squalls to which the bay is subject.
The boat was capsized and all the occupants thrown into the water. Mr.
Cheeseman (to take the most charitable view of his action) seems to have lost
his head, and immediately struck out for the shore, without making any
attempt to assist his companions……..93
Despite the dreadful situation, young Murray supported the ladies until help
arrived. the other occupants of the unfortunate boat survived. Another incident was
described as follows:
MAN SAVED FROM DROWNING
In the third race (on the first day of the regatta) which was a handicap race,
for half-decked boats, and open centerboard Mermaids. Three started, but an
accident occurred to one of the boats, Mr. Adamson’s94 Dream, with the
result that the crew were thrown into the water.95
The occupants of The Dream were ultimately saved by the quick reaction of
some of the other competitors, and the medical assistance which was provided at Mr.
Payne’s home, Gailey Bay House.96
88
Of Lecarrow, owner of yacht Bella.
89
Of ‘The Abbey’, Roscommon.
90
Anon, ‘Galey Bay Regatta’, in Hunts Yachting Magazine, xxiii (1874), p.464
91
William J. Dawson aged 65 of 12, Abbey Street Lower, Roscommon.
92
Down Gailey Bay during the regatta.
93
Roscommon Messenger, 12 Aug. 1905.
94
From Auburn, Co. Westmeath.
95
Roscommon Journal, 22 Aug. 1908.
96
Ibid.
30The regatta scene was described as follows:
The regatta had been organized by a few local personages of note, and the
people had been offered the privilege of subscribing for prizes and expenses-
a privilege which did not appear to have been highly appreciated. I was
unable to ascertain for what precise object the event was intended. It was not
for the amusement of the classes, for none of the gentry took part in the
competitions,97 as far as I could observe. It was not for the amusement of the
masses; they took, but scanty interest in the proceedings, and nobody seemed
to encourage them, or invite them to do so. No gate-money was taken. There
was no charge for admission at all. There were no reserved seats. You came
and went as you pleased.
But it was highly respectable. The committee men wore red badges.
There was a patron- some lord or marquis- but I am not certain whether he
was alive or dead, present or absent.98 His name was in the programme, but I
forget it. The organizing and managing committees were all busy doing
nothing in particular, and there was a marquee in which they held
consultations, and in which they refreshed themselves with whiskey obtained
for that special purpose by public subscription. There was a flag staff planted
on a hillock, from which floated a Union Jack.99 Another Union Jack floated
from the pole of the marquee. There were four or five yachts in the river, and
each had a Union Jack.100 Two wheezing steam launches also floated Union
Jacks. A sailing boat of non-descript category was decorated in similar
manner. There were no other flags except a blue and white signal pennant101
which was lowered or hoisted as occasion demanded. ……There were about
a dozen tents for sale of sugar-stick, gingerbread, gooseberries, and there
were two or three tents for the sale of drink.102 Five police men were on duty.
There were, all told, about three hundred people present, including adults and
children, classes and masses, committee men and spectators, attendants and
competitors………..I observed several committee men leaving the marquee
in a body. Their leader carried a double barreled shotgun103 across his arm.
He had a pencil behind his ear, and a sheaf of papers protruding from his
breast pocket. He marched with a firm tread to where the blue signal flag was
flying, hauled it down, and then fired a shot, after which he and his comrades
retired for refreshment. The hauling down of the flag and the firing of the
shot gave the signal for the departure of two yachts on a race.104
Who were these committee men at the regatta?
97
The author was unaware that all the competitors were afloat in their houseboats.
98
Lord Crofton was present on his houseboat or yacht.
99
The author, William Bulfin, being a nationalist, did not approve of Union Jacks.
100
Yachts are always required to carry an ensign (flag) indicating their home club or nationality.
101
The ‘Blue Peter’ is the flag used to instruct yachtsmen to prepare for an imminent race.
102
For the benefit of the ordinary country people.
103
Shotguns with blank cartridges were used to draw the competitor’s attention to the flag signals.
104
William Bulfin, Rambles in Eirinn (https://archive.org/details/ramblesineirinn00bulfrich ) (10 Oct.
2016.
31GAILEY BAY REGATTA COMMITTEE 1887105
Name Position Address Club
Edward Henry 3rd Baron Crofton Chairman Mote Park Roscommon
Hazel Point, Lough Derg
T.S.W. Bernard Member
Shannonvale, Tipperary Y.C.
Lough Derg
Edmond Bayly Member Debsborough, Tipperary
Y.C.
Thomas A.P. Mapother, member of Cloontogher, Kilteevan, Athlone
Member
Grand Jury 1899. (b.1839) Roscommon Y.C.
Lough Derg
M.S. Bayly Member Debsborough, Tipperary
Y.C.
William J. Talbot, member of Grand Mount Talbot, Athlone
Member
Jury 1899. Roscommon Y.C.
Joseph Burke
Member The Abbey, Roscommon
Sessional Crown Solicitor
John Neilan Esq., member of Grand Ballygalda, Ballintober,
Member
Jury 1899 (b.1846) Roscommon
Athlone
John J. Kelly Member Shannonview, Athlone
Y.C.
Carnagh, Kiltoom, Athlone
Robert D. Levinge, farmer. Handicapper
Roscommon Y.C.
George James Athlone
Hon. Sec. The Villa, Roscommon
Roscommon sub-sheriff Y.C.
Hon. St. Davids, Puckawn, Lough Derg
William E. Holmes, Landlord.
Treasurer Tipperary Y.C.
At the 1874 regatta, on 30th July, competitors were Lord Crofton’s thirteen
ton cutter, Wanderer, William Potts Esq.’s106 cutter Audax of the same displacement
(see image fifteen below), Viscount Avonmore’s107 eleven ton cutter Virago, and
Henry Jackson’s eight ton cutter Haidee. The course was twenty-two miles,
requiring the yachts to travel to Priest Island, and Woodpoint buoy and home, twice
around in opposite directions.108
Gailey Bay regattas were strongly supported by competitors from the other
Shannon lakes. In 1889, Captain Smithwick’s The Countess,109 Mr. Waller’s
105
Roscommon Journal, 16 Jul. 1887.
106
From ‘Correen Castle’, Roscommon
107
From ‘Belle Isle’, Lorrha, Co. Tipperary.
108
Anon, ‘Gailey Bay Regatta’ in Hunts Yachting Magazine, xxiii (1874), p.464.
109
From ‘Youghal House’, Tipperary, a 15 ton cutter designed and built by Payne in Southampton.
32Leila,110 Mr. Holmes’ Violet,111 and Mr. Smith’s Audax (see image below)112
competed for the Lough Ree Challenge Cup, presented by Lord Crofton.113 Smaller
boats included Whimbrel,114 Seadrift,115 and Wild Duck.116
In 1891 there was a call to reinstate a ‘People’s day’ at the regatta.
Joseph Burke of ‘The Abbey’ Roscommon wrote in the Roscommon Messenger:
Up to this, the islanders, fishermen, and boat-owners along the coast
participated in the sports, and the people of Roscommon and its surroundings
were enabled to have an agreeable days outing.
As I disapprove of the recent programme………..I have asked Mr. James117
to take my name off.118
Another letter signed ‘Quaker Island’119 in The Roscommon Journal stated that:
Sailing matches are all very good for the ‘upper ten’ who can afford to take
their intimate friends on board their yachts – to the chagrin of other friends
and acquaintances- but such a regatta has no interest for the masses. Should
you get a few of the Roscommonites to join you in getting up a rowing
regatta at Gailey Bay, I will gladly hand you £1 towards the expenses.120
Was the programme amended? In 1891 regatta there were no rowing races,
and Joseph Burke Esq. of ‘The Abbey’ was still listed as being a member of the
regatta committee. There is no record of the programme for the 1892 regatta, so, we
cannot confirm if there was a response to this call.
A feature of this regatta (as with almost all other Shannon regattas) was the
rowing events, which were strongly supported by the Islanders of Lough Ree.
Michael and Kate Walsh lived on Inchcleraun with their family, and James and
Maria Farrell and their family, and Margaret Connaughton.121 These people were
great boatmen, who enjoyed a day’s competition at the regatta, against the land
people. On the Black Islands, generations of Hanley and O’Hara families fished and
110
Robert J. Waller from ‘Summerville’, Nenagh, a 5 ton cutter designed and built in 1879 by G.L.
Watson in Rutherglen, Scotland.
111
5 ton yacht belonging to Traherne Holmes of ‘St. David’s’, Puckawn, Tipperary.
112
Sydney Smith of ‘Portlick Castle’, Westmeath, a 13 ton cutter.
113
Roscommon Journal, 27 July 1889.
114
Half decker belonging to Lieut. Vincent, The Barracks, Athlone.
115
8 ton cutter belonging to George James, ‘The Villa’, Roscommon.
116
3 ton yacht belonging to Mr. G.A.G. Adamson of ‘Auburn’, Athlone.
117
Hon. secretary of the regatta.
118
Off the list of committee members.
119
The main occupant of Quaker Island in1901 was Michael Walsh, who could not read or write.
120
Roscommon Journal, 25 July 1891.
121
Census of Ireland 1901(www.census.nationalarchives.ie/reels/nai002886401/) (10 Oct. 2016).
33farmed.122 Inchmore, further south, accommodated the Tiernan, Quigley, Nolan and
Keefe families.123
The 1906 regatta reports124 saw the following results:
Image 13. RESULTS OF THE ROWING RACES AT GAILEY BAY REGATTA
1906. THE PUNT CHASE WAS A HUNT TO FIND A MAN AND A BOAT. IT
WAS ALSO KNOWN AS A ‘DUCK HUNT’.
122
Gearoid O’Brien, ‘Island living: the modern story of life on the islands of Lough Ree’ in
Bernadette Cunningham and Harman Murtagh (eds), Lough Ree, historic lake settlement (Dublin,
2015), p.224.
123
Ibid.
124
Roscommon Messenger, 18 Aug. 1906.
34Image 14. CONTESTANTS AND COMPETITORS AT GAILEY BAY 1914. THE
JARS CONTAIN WHISKEY, PROBABLY FROM KILBEGGAN. 125 WAS THIS A
BOATING TRIP? THERE WAS NO REGATTA IN GAILEY BAY IN 1914.
Image 15. THE AUDAX, A CUTTER OWNED BY WILLIAM POTTS OF
CORREEEN CASTLE, AND LATER BY MR. SMITH OF PORTLICK CASTLE.
125
Lola Milligan/Leech archives, in ‘Abbey House’, Athlone.
35By 1902 there was a race for open
18ft centerboard boats, with Tom
Hogan,126 and Ned Norton127
competing.128 In the mermaid129
race, Wild Rose,130 Colleen Bawn,131
and Violet132 competed.133 Later in
the week, on Tuesday, Mr.
Devenish’s134 Plain John
competed.135 In the larger yachts,
Nepenthe,136 Witch,137 Vill-U-An,138 Image 16. YACHTS, AMORITA, VILL-U-AN,
139 140 141 WITCH AND FOAM RACING ON LOUGH
Dorothy, Ruby, Seadrift, and
REE.
Martlet142 competed. (See image
sixteen which shows some of the yachts listed above, which were described as
luggers, yachts with two sails.) This was followed by rowing races.
In 1904 a number of Water Wags competed at Gailey Bay regatta. They were
Molly, Amorelle, Cupid, and San Atout.143 This was first time yacht races had been
run at Gailey Bay without the need for handicaps. This was a significant step
towards the creation of the Shannon one-design in 1922.
126
Stationer and newsagent from Church St. Athlone.
127
Boatbuilder, The Strand Athlone.
128
Roscommon Journal, 9 Aug.1902.
129
Mermaid is the collective term to describe half decked boats from 16’ to 20’ long.
130
Mr. J. Vaughan of ‘Mount View’, Athlone.
131
Owned by Ned Norton- possibly a Colleen one-design, designed by James Doyle of Kingstrown.
132
Owned by Mr. Magan, ‘St. Mark’s’, Kilkenny West, Athlone.
133
Roscommon Journal, 9 Aug. 02.
134
Probably Robert Devenish, from ‘Ivy House’, Drumsna.
135
Roscommon Journal, 9 Aug. 02.
136
Charles E. Tuthill, of ‘Lansdown’, Portroe, Tipperary.
137
George T. Parsons, shoe retailer of Northgate St, Athlone.
138
Major St.G. Parker-Hutchinson, ‘Castlelough’ Portroe, Tipperary.
139
Mrs. A. H. Mills, ‘Curraghbawn’, Newtown, Tipperary.
140
Traherne B. Holmes, ‘St. David’s’, Tipperary.
141
Rev. Dr. R.S.D. Campbell, St. Mary’s rectory, Athlone.
142
Arthur R. Temple-Harris, ‘Waterston’, Glasson, Westmeath.
143
Roscommon Journal, 20 Aug. 1904.
36Image 17. GAILEY BAY REGATTA 1904, PHOTOGRAPHED FROM A
HOUSEBOAT, SHOWING THE RUINED CASTLE, LORD CROFTON’S
BOATHOUSE, AND THE TENTS BELONGING TO SOME OF THE WATER
WAGS PITCHED BELOW THE CASTLE
GAILEY BAY, - REGATTA DATES
1870 1871 1872 1873 1874 1875 1876 1877 1878 1879 The
Week Wat
before
none none 1 Aug. TBC 8 Aug. TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC er
Wa
1880 1881 1882 1883 1884 1885 1886 1887 1888 1889 gs
20 23- 27 25- 24
TBC TBC 9 Sept. TBC TBC Aug. Aug Jul. Jul Jul. Swif
t,
1890 1891 1892 1893 1894 1895 1896 1897 1898 1899
Tort
2nd
22- 29 week oise
Jul Jul. TBC TBC TBC 31-Jul Sept TBC TBC TBC
,
1900 1901 1902 1903 1904 1905 1906 1907 1908 1909 Mol
week
before lie,
2nd 19- 09- 13- Vel
TBC TBC Aug Aug 15-Aug Aug Aug None None None
a,
1910 1911 1912 1913 1914 1915 1916 1917 1918 1919 Pan
09-
none Aug 19-Aug TBC none none none none none TBC sy,
Pen
1920 1921 1922 1923 1924 1925 1926 1927 1928 1929
elop
none TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC None None
37e, Barbara, Moosmie, Maureen, Marie Louise, Good Hope Mary Kate and
Scallywag returned to Gailey Bay in 2015, (see image eighteen) with six yacht races
in both Blackbrink Bay and in Gailey Bay, followed by a picnic under the shadow of
Gailey Castle,144 as their club-mates had done about one hundred years earlier.
Image 18. THE DUBLIN BAY WATER WAGS RETURN TO GAILEY BAY
FOR A PICNIC IN 2015.
What was the impact of 1916 on these yachting events? There were no
regattas during the great war from 1914-8. In May 1916, immediately after the
rising, (Roscommon County Councillors) condemned the rising, reflecting the views
of those who wanted home rule through peaceful means. In the meeting following
the rising there was no mention in the minutes of the dramatic happenings in
Dublin.145 This is because the record was (illegally) modified later. In 1916, similar
peaceful attitudes would have been endorsed by some of the yachting community,
although many would have been of a more Unionist outlook.
144
Vincent Delany, ‘Blackbrink regatta’ in Water Wag Newsletter, 2015, pp 34-6.
145
Frank Friel, Roscommon County Council, 100 years of local government, 1899-1999
(Roscommon, 2015), p.49.
387.0 NORTH SHANNON YACHT CLUB
Map 8. ORDNANCE SURVEY MAP, SHOWING THE TIN HUT, FLAGSTAFF,
AND JETTY OF THE NORTH SHANNON YACHT CLUB AT THE NORTH
END OF LOUGH BOGERG
It was Major Lloyd of ‘Rockville’, Elfin and his sons Billy and ‘Cootie’ who
decided in the 1890s that the North Shannon, and in particular Roscommon, should
have a yacht club comparable with the vintage clubs on Loughs Ree and Lough
Derg. Thus they organized a regatta on Lough Drumharlow in 1895, but found that
lake proved to be too small for a real regatta. The Second regatta was held on Lough
Boderg in 1896 which was a huge success. Soon a very modest clubhouse was built
on the Roscommon shore near Kilmore. The development of this club is more fully
described in my thesis. The Water Wags from Dublin were invited to attend the
regatta in 1904, and yachts travelled by train and donkey cart from Dublin.146
146
Alfred and Vincent Delany, The Water Wags, 1887-2012 (Dun Laoghaire, 2012), pp 44-5.
39Image 19, IN 1904, A DONKEY AND CART WERE USED TO TRANSPORT
THE DUBLIN BAY WATER WAGS FROM DRUMSNA STATION TO THE
NEARBY JAMESTOWN CANAL.
Other larger yachts travelled up river from Lough Derg and Lough Ree to compete
on Lough Boderg. The North Shannon Yacht Club was celebrated in song,147 written
by one of the members, as follows:
The English may boast of their Henley.
The Yanks the America Cup,
But give me for sport health and beauty
Boderg when the flags are all up.
The boats they flock in in their thousands,
At least sanguine Bob148 tells us so,
The tin house is chock full of prizes
All glittering there in a row.
147
Mrs. O’Neill Clarke, Boderg, dedicated to the Earl of Kingston, commodore of the club.
148
Bob Devenish of ‘Ivy House’, Drumsna was hon. secretary of the N.S.Y.C.
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