A CELEBRATION OF 50 YEARS OF THE SHANNON BOAT RALLY In 1961, the foresight of a handful of enthusiastic boaters campaigned against what would have been the closure of the Shannon Navigation as we know it today. They encouraged other like-minded individuals to participate in a week long trip of the Shannon from Athlone to Lough Key and so, the Shannon boat rally was born. Many of these pioneers are no longer with us and their boats long gone but the original spirit is still as strong today as on the first day. This book was compiled to honour the work and play of many ralliers over the last 50 years.