Last year we did a few boat trips at Phizzfest and brought almost 250 people for a short spin on the Royal. We were invited back again this year and carried almost 350 this afternoon. Along with the boat trips during the 5 Lamps Arts Fest., at Charleville Mall, last April, we've managed to bring almost 1000 people for a short jaunt on the Royal Canal in the past year, for the vast majority, their first ever trip on a boat on the canal.

It would also seem that we made a big impression last year as the canal got much more exposure at this years event, with the Irish Coast Guard having a rib on display and arranging a fly over of one of the helicopters. The Canoe Polo people organised a tournament above the 5th Lock and the Irish Canoe Union also gave rides on Canadian Canoes below Lock 4. The Nat. Course Fishing Fed. did an Introduction to Course Fishing above Lock 6 on Saturday morning and a "walk & talk" on the biodiversity of the canal banks was held on Saturday afternoon between Locks 6 and 7, led by Dr Mary Turbidy and Kaethe Burt-O'Dea. There was also a duck race to help raise funds for the festival, with first prize being a 3 day hire of a cruiser on the Shannon ( donated by Silver Line )...!! Some pics below....

Mick Farrell
pp Dublin Branch.

A wild meadow between the canal and railway



Coast Guard above.....



....and beside Lock 4



Canoe Polo above Lock 5





Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/09/2011 21:15 by Mick Farrell.

Canadian Canoes below Lock 4



The Duck Race gets under way...



Ehhhhh.....is that in the rules...??



Heavy Metal running backwards....





Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/09/2011 03:08 by Mick Farrell.

Dropped in for half an hour and met the the expected bunch doing what they do best - giving the public a good time [and a canal history lesson ] . Well done all round.

Joe.

Here here well said Joe, interaction with the public and showing people they joys of water based activities is an important part of what the IWAI is about. I believe nobody does it better and with as much enthusiasm for the cause as the small group of guys and gals that were involved in this weekend's activity.

Well done folk, take a bow

Gerry
GCC 68M
Five sister fleet

Great planning and organisation with excellent results and lots of fun - our Dublin Branch at work!

Beth
Aqualegia

Might be of interest to those at "Phizzfest" , my research at the other end of the Royal on the "4E / Roots" mission has produced the following information. Tom Rafferty and Kit Mitchell were two of the three crew on 4E in the 1950's / 1960's and Tom's sister married Kit Mitchell. Tom's brother Andy was lock-keeper at Cross Guns at this time. I am indebted to Jim Mitchell [Abbeyshrule] for these photos and the family background on the canal. The Mitchell side of the family came from Killucan.

The first photo is Andy Rafferty at the lock cottage. The second and third are Andy amongst a group photographed amongst the barges at the mill.

Joe.

Thats quite amazing Joe. I was talking with someone over the weekend about the railway bridge which crossed the canal below the 6th lock and the siding that ran into Odlums. Have to see if anyone knows anything of this Andy Rafferty...!!

M(W&W)F

Hi All,

It seems that Phizzfest has been gathering a few awards for itself over the winter. I hear a little whisper that our own Mick Kinahan has been invited to the Aras to represent Dublin Branch at an Epic award presentation. Dont forget to remind Michael D about the Graving Docks, Mick...!!!

Mick Farrell
PRO
Dublin Branch.

[www.phizzfest.ie]

Dear Mtck

Your query regarding the late Andy Rafferty.Along with my family i moved into Coke Oven Cottages as a 7 yr old in 1953. Attended St Vincents School in Glasnevin We passed Andys house every day he was the lock keeper at 5th lock his house would be at the rear of Des Kellys where the car park is now. Hope this solves the mystery.

Yours Sincerly

Vinny Harrison
Coke Oven Cottages
D11

Well done Mick and Co. Ye are fantastic advocates for the waterways.
Hats off to Ye......

Quote:

vjnny harrison
Dear Mtck
Your query regarding the late Andy Rafferty.Along with my family i moved into Coke Oven Cottages as a 7 yr old in 1953. Attended St Vincents School in Glasnevin We passed Andys house every day he was the lock keeper at 5th lock his house would be at the rear of Des Kellys where the car park is now. Hope this solves the mystery.

Yours Sincerly

Vinny Harrison
Coke Oven Cottages
D11

Many thanks for the bit of info Vinny. Must organise a little visit down your way and see if we can pick another bit of info out of your head. The lad who posted the pics, Joe Treacy, will be passing your door on 4E (see here... [www.iwai.ie] ) the week after Easter. Perrhaps we can arrange a meet up at that stage...??

Mick Farrell
PRO
Dublin Branch.

PS..... Was talking with Nessa at the work party down at lock 1 on Sat morning, I never did take them pidgeon breasts you gave me, out of her freezer....!!

Seems this Rafferty chap was only a blow in Joe, 1911 census shows a John Cuddy as the keeper here..!!

[www.census.nationalarchives.ie]

Seems they missed out on Coke Oven Cottages though.


M(W&W)F



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 26/02/2012 01:33 by Mick Farrell.

Hi Mick,
I find it amazing that I was shown a photo in Abbeyshrule by the son and nephew of an ex- crewman of 4E in the 1950's of his uncle who was a Dublin lock-keeper. There has to be more of those photos around - Tony Dwane is a star now, after all !!
Another point was the identification of the boats at Cross Gunns which with perserverance I'm sure will come to light. I'm looking forward to travelling that stretch next month and checking out Coke Oven Cottages.

Joe.