Christopher O’Sullivan TD officially opened the Kinsale Regatta Festival at a reception in Actons Hotel on Thursday 25th July.
Deputy O’Sullivan said it was an honour to be there as his family is deeply rooted in the event. His mother Paddi is a Kinsale woman, his aunt Nodlag O’Connell has been Treasurer of the festival for 50 years, and Christopher proudly showed a photograph of his grandfather, Dónal O’Connell, taking part in the pillow fight competition at the 1948 Kinsale Regatta.
Deputy O’Sullivan said: “I’m very proud of this deep connection to Kinsale and to the Regatta. Kinsale is one of the most vibrant, colourful and beautiful towns in Ireland. I’ve often described it as the Monte Carl of Ireland. Its connection to the sea remains strong, which is why the regatta remains so important. Thank you to the Regatta Committee for giving me this great honour.”
As he unveiled a programme packed with fun events on land and sea, Festival Chairman Frank O’Brien, said the Kinsale Regatta is the oldest event of its kind in Ireland. First established 226 years ago, and originally the preserve of the aristocracy, it was taken over by the people of Kinsale in 1923 and has been run by them ever since. He also thanked the local business community for their unstinting support, which allows the majority of events to be offered free of charge to the public.
Highlights this year include the debut performance of Honey, Kinsale’s newest rock band, on the Plaza at 6pm on Friday 2nd. Kinsale Regatta gave Lyra and the Love Buzz their first gigs, so the bar is set high. Over 600 runners are expected for the Regatta 5 Mile Road Race, also on Friday.
Saturday 3rd sees swimming races at the Dock, kayaking and rowing, the Kinsale Harbour Open Day with representatives of all the leading maritime organisations, and music on the Plaza with Michael Ahern and Rosaleen.
New this year, Kinsale AFC will host a 7-a-side tournament on Saturday afternoon. The undisputed family favourite on Sunday 4th is the Children’s Fancy Dress Parade led by the Blarney Brass Band, followed by a kid’s disco on the Plaza. All classes of sailing races will take place in the harbour, there’s entertainment from Ballinspittle Comhaltas and a Spectacular Fireworks Display at 10.15pm.
The Water Carnival on Bank Holiday Monday 5th at 3.30pm features the hugely popular Greasy Pole and Pillow Fights, children’s games and competitions on the pier, and a performance by the Irish Weavers in the evening. Friends old and new are invited to a reception on Tuesday 6th in the Temperance Hall.
Boules competitions for adults and children and GAA skills and games will also draw the crowds throughout the week.
For the full programme of events and latest news please follow on Kinsale Regatta's Facebook Page
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