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Kildare Branch Rally Page
Robertstown Canal Fest 2009 The Robertstown Canal Fest took place over the August Bank Holiday weekend and got off to a fantastic start with the Kildare branch bbq kicking of proceedings on the Saturday evening. As the last of the boats drew in they were welcomed with a burger and a smile to the festival. There were 13 boats in all travelled to Robertstown from all parts of Kildare. There was plenty of craic agus ceol enjoyed by Kildare members who were treated to some great entertainment, which included singing, dancing, traditional Irish music, story telling & celebrity jigs and reels. The Kildare Branch sponsored the children’s fancy dress competition that was held on the Sunday afternoon. The Kildare branch would like to thank all members who travelled to support the festival and the committee of the Robertstown Canal Fest for a great Weekend. Further details on the festival can be found by visiting the festival website : www.robertstowncanalfest.comChristmas Walk 2008 This year's walk took place in Dublin's Docklands centred around the Grand Canal Basin in Ringsend. IWAI Dublin Branch were our hosts and many thanks to them especially Mick & Joe for their warm hospitality on a cold crisp December day. The walk and talk was led by IWAI Heritage Officer Niall Galway and festive treats included roasted chestnuts, mulled wine & mince pies, all of which were promptly devoured by the large and enthusiastic gathering. Littletown Rally 2008 The weekend of September 13th & 14th saw the occasion of the Littletown Canal Festival & Boat Rally. Now becoming an end of season bash for the branch as well as highlighting the ample mooring and friendly atmosphere at the Traveller's Rest Pub in Littletown on the Old Barrow line near Robertstown, this year's event was well attended by branch members and guests from Dublin and North Barrow Branches. The weather was a mix of glorious uninterrupted sunshine on the Saturday followed by torrential uninterrupted rain on Sunday! So typical of summer 2008. A big thank you to every one who supported this event, the management and staff of the Traveller's Rest for hosting us and James Conroy our ever present ever willing lock keeper from Waterways Ireland. We have included a video snapshot of the weekend for your enjoyment. Easter Rally 2008 This year's Easter Rally took place from Friday March 21st to Monday March 24th and was based in Naas Harbour. The bulk of the fleet ascended through the five locks from Sallins on Friday helped on their way by Waterways Ireland lock keepers and this year's Commodore Tidg Horrigan, skipper of Little Imp. The harsh winds did not deter the skippers and crews and by Friday evening 15 boats were safely moored. Saturday saw the arrival of more boats including some long distance visitors from Athy and Harefield! Festivities officially got underway on Saturday with registration followed by a Cheese & Wine reception in the restored Canal Stores Building. The branch wishes to thank Kildare Youth Services and Larry Breen of the Naas Local History Group for providing our rally headquarters. The now famous (or infamous) Kildare table quiz took place in the function room of the Harbour Hotel which was full to bursting point. Quizmaster Owen Kavanagh put nine teams through their paces with team TNC Ireland eventually declared winners. All present were then treated to a display of fine local musical talent led by Ger Loughlin. On Sunday morning the Easter Bunnies payed a visit to all the boats resulting in smiles all round, especially from the children. One of the main events this year was the small boat rally from Naas to Corbally Harbour. Now to the uninitiated this 5 mile trip takes in some beautiful stretches of canal but also requires the lifting of boats across a culvert carrying the main Naas to Newbridge road. Eight brave souls including members of Dublin and Offaly branches set out to prove that this branch of canal should be reopened to traffic. So confident were the crew of Earnest of this fact that on Sunday evening they travelled again as far as the culvert but this time in their narrowboat. Much discussion followed and the result was another excursion up the Corbally line on Monday morning. The sight of 8 boats on this stretch of navigation created great excitement among the local land lubbers who came out of their houses cameras in hand to witness something many of them had probably never seen before, boats on the canal. Then it was time to head home. Again sincere thanks is due to the staff of Waterways Ireland, Kildare Youth Services, Naas Local History Group, Naas Town Council, The Harbour Hotel, Kildare Branch Committee and everybody who supported the rally in any way. Easter Rally 2003 The 2003 Easter Rally went very well. The atmosphere was very relaxed and all enjoyed a superb holiday weekend. On Easter Sunday a number of small boats took a trip up the Corbally Line. This is a particularly beautiful stretch of canal, with good water depth all the way. The canal has been well maintained by Waterways Ireland with the weeds kept well under control. The feeder for the Naas Canal enters the Corbally line at its terminus in Corbally Harbour.
Competition Results;
Ploughing competition: 1st 34B 2nd CIRRUS Bar stool gymnastics; Ronnie Byrne Line heaving: 1st 34B Boat inspection: RAYANN Man overboard: 1st Martin Fogarty. WI, Boat manouvering: 1st Dick Warner. Best dressed boat. 1st PEACOCK Best dressed hire boat: Crew of Celtic Barge Most Professional Skipper; Nial Sonas Best boat hospitality: MALLARD Most travelled boat: LAKE SHORE. Most unusual footwear: Nial Galway Most emotional arrival: 34b Participation Award: {non} Crew of Cassandra. Biggest Chancer: Timmy- Offaly Branch Dingy polo: 1st Helen/ Lisa 2nd Nial / John J. Corbally race: Helen / Lisa Endeavor Cup: CIRRUS |
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