Mullingar Branch News

Members were out early in 2007, preparing for the St Patrick’s Day Parade and sail past on the Royal Canal. Later we were delighted with the reaction to our efforts both on the street parade and on the turn out of boats on the water. The winning of an award as the "Best Community Group Presentation" was a surprise and much appreciated. Thanks to all involved.

In February we held our AGM and elected were Chairman, Colm Dardis; Vice Chairman, Joe Connaire; Secretary, Geraldine Kilduff; Assistant Secretary, Paraic Kilduff; Treasurer, Mary Mahon and Assistant Treasurer, Sarah Caffrey. Elected PRO was Christy Dalton and delegates to the Executive, Colm Dardis and Paraic Kilduff.

Towards the end of March the cold weather receded to be replaced by smiling daffodils. Spring was on the way, especially along the Royal Canal Way from the Downs Junction to the metal footbridge on the N4, as a selection of trees consisting of oak, ash, beech, alder and mountain ash were planted. All are now doing well thanks to Christy, Joe and Colm and thanks also to the Environment Department of Westmeath County Council.

May found us at Thomastown supporting the Rover Club of Ireland at their vintage and classic car rally. The presence of the boats in the harbour at Nanny Quinn's, the boat trips and the walks added greatly to the occasion for everyone.

On Sunday 26th May, 66 members from our branch travelled to Carrick on Shannon for a trip on the Moon River Cruiser. This consisted of a 5 hour cruise upriver and then into the Boyle River and on to Lough Key. Food and refreshments were provided on board. Music was also provided by branch members John Kennedy, and Joe Connaire and his talented musicians. After the fine food served by the efficient and friendly staff, lungs filled with lifting Leitrim air, scenery to record, rewind, and replay in the mind, and with dusk creeping in, the music was enjoyed with gusto! Everyone took part in some way, from singing to foot tapping to recitations and even the jetty was vibrating to the beat of the music as we docked at 9.30 pm, reluctant to leave for home! A fabulous day, thanks to the staff of the Moon River, to John, Joe, the lads who played so well, and much thanks to all who supported and came and added to the occasion.

Prior to our June Rally we had a visit from members of the IWAI on the Erne Waterway. This group of 8 boats and 20 people, led by Robert Navan, arrived on Friday evening, 8th June and stayed over the weekend in the Marlinstown Guesthouse, Mullingar. On Saturday morning these enthusiastic waterway adventurers launched at Mullingar harbour, where they were greeted by the local RCAG members and were advised, helped and cheered on their way. They set off and explored the canal going towards Kneads Bridge and Mary Lynch's, had lunch with John Moriarty, and then tackled the 8 locks down to Thomastown.

Next day, Sunday, they set off from Mullingar (Ballinea) to Coolnahay and then down the 10 locks to Ballynacargy. On Monday they continued on to Abbeyshrule. All the visitors appeared to really enjoy the canal; it's variety of scenery and overall condition. The weather was glorious all during the weekend and we really enjoyed their company. We thank them for coming and look forward to their return for the opening of the Royal to the Shannon. Thanks to W.I. for all their help in making their journey through the locks so smooth.

Our 7th Annual Boat Rally from Thomastown to Enfield and Kilcock, started on Friday 15th June at Thomastown. After the gathering of boats, Olive Gavin and family were guests of honour as The Edwin G was formally named, blessed and launched on the evening by Fr Joe Gallagher. The Gavin family then did a lap of honour around the harbour in the boat before it took up its duty as a members’ boat, for use by them, and to give trips on the canal to introduce people to its leisure, nature and tranquility. We hope it is a fitting tribute to Edwin Gavin (Ned), RIP, our former enthusiastic member who encouraged all to embrace the canal and take to the water. Afterwards there was a very enjoyable evening in Nanny Quinn's with music by Amber Moon. The following morning the flotilla set off eastwards on the long level on the first part of the 20 mile trip to Kilcock. We passed under D’Arcy's Bridge, Ballasport Bridge and on to beautiful Hill of Down. Here we were all delighted to stop for welcome refreshments and renew our friendships with Peter and Francis Holland. They have recently retired from the boat hiring business and their coffee shop with its home baked scones and tarts, which became a legend in boating and tourist circles. They have not lost their touch or generosity and we were reluctant to leave such hospitality, and the lovely well kept surroundings of their harbour area and Morans Pub. Congratulations Peter and Francis on your recent marriage, and a long, healthy and happy life together is our wish to you both. Lunchtime found us at Moyvalley after the 2 hour trip through Blackshade, Longwood aqueduct and Ribbontail . This very pleasant stop was availed of by all, up to 25 boats at this stage, to relax at the excellent services at Furey's and the Blueberry Restaurant. After the break we set out through the tree lined stretch towards Kilmore bridge and then across the Blackwater aqueduct and on into Enfield Harbour. There in this outstanding garden and amenity area all could relax and BBQ in the sun! However it was not all play as we had boat trips laid on and a group of 47 children holidaying from Chernobyl in Belarus really enjoyed their spin on The Edwin G. Afterwards all adjourned to Daly's,The Bridge House, for more Enfield hospitality and good music. Thanks to John Daniels and Brian O'Donoghue and members for the cup and the good work.

Sunday saw an early start for the long stretch to Kilcock, through the double lock at Ferns, and on into the double lock at Shaw’s bridge and into Kilcock Harbour. It was an experience for most of us to go through a double lock, but Enda Raleigh and his local W.I. crew made it all look so easy! It was a wonderful feeling entering Kilcock harbour with its fine new jetties and facilities, to the rhythm and beat of "OUTRO", a youth band from the West of Meath (Kinnegad). Stephen, Craig, Colm and Tony, really rocked the gathering, for the next three hours, adding greatly to the atmosphere. The traditional re-treatment of "Johnny Be Good" could be a major hit yet! Well done lads, the large crowd enjoyed your music. Thanks to Elizabeth O'Farrell for the power to the amps. There was face painting for the younger folk, a bottle stall and trickery for the older, and a BBQ put on by the local RCAG members, and thanks to Tom Montague and Gerry McGeeney. Thanks also to O'Keeffes for the bia agus deocanna.

In the closing ceremony the O'Donoghue cup presented for "the best endeavour" went to the Dalton family for their overall input, enthusiasm and membership work. The Mullingar RCAG Rally Cap 2007, was presented to the following participants: Pat O'Connor, Pat and Ger Kilduff, Joe Connaire, Frank Abbott, Paul Walsh, Leo Wright, Brendan White, Billy Ward, Michael Kinahan, Eoin Corrigan, Christy & Tina Dalton, Kate White Miggan, Peter Shanley, Pat L'Estrange, Seamus & Paraic Costello, Caroline O'Connor, Marie Kelly, Bill Kavanagh, Stephen & Ruth O'Brien, Gerry O'Hara, Ger McGeeney, Peter Caffrey, Ray Carr, and Brian Lube.

We wish to thank all who took part, the community who attended, Waterways Ireland, our sponsors, Westmeath Community Development, Mullingar Credit Union and Wallace Recycling, the members who piloted the trips on The Edwin G, our hardworking committee and not least the Costello Brothers/Printing for their ongoing help and assistance. We look forward to other rallies to and in Enfield and Kilcock, and maybe a water polo demonstration and match next time.

N.B. Our Group boat The Edwin G has a seating capacity of 12 including the pilot, and has proved very popular. It has attracted new members to the group, and especially to the water. It has also proved its worth and has contributed to the social life of some of our less active members of the community of all ages, introducing them to this source of relaxation and scenery that is on the Royal Canal.

 

 

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