Bere Island Festival Regatta

Spectators watching the Greasy Pole Event at the Pier, Bere Island with Lawrence Cove Marina in the Background.

The Bere Island Festival Regatta took place on Saturday and Sunday last 12th & 13th Aug. Saturday’s water activities drew a huge crowd and a very enjoyable day was had by everyone as the weather was glorious. There were plenty of eager participants for the swimming and canoeing races as well as the greasy pole and the pillow fights. This year saw a record number of entries for the Raft Race which were of such a high standard that they had to be seen to be believed. There was a welcome visit from the Castletownbere Lifeboat and crew while younger revellers could get their faces painted by local artist, Deirdre Keohane. A children’s disco was held in the community centre and later John R. provided music in the Hotel which everyone agreed was thoroughly enjoyable.

Unfortunately, Sunday’s weather was less kind and the welly throwing, tug of war and bonny baby competition had to be cancelled. However, the GAA match featuring the under 30’s versus over 30’s still took place with the over 30’s defeating the under 30’s by a single point. Trophies for this mighty sporting event were very kindly sponsored by Harrington’s Bar, Glengarriff. Later that night in the Hotel, everyone relaxed to excellent music from Charlie Coughlan.

The results for the various events were as follows:

Raft Race:
1^st - Jack Sullivan, Michael Orpen, Clyde Carroll and John Orpen.
2^nd – Derek Harrington, David Elphick, Peter Kelly and Vincent Hanley
3^rd – Emer Harrington, Kate Elphick, Ita Crowley and Louise Reid.

Canoeing Races:
(Under 12’s mixed) 1^st – William Sullivan, 2^nd – Carmel Hall, 3^rd - Pat Sullivan.
(Boys 12-15) 1^st – William Reid, 2^nd – Jeff Sullivan, 3^rd – John Murphy
(Girls 12-15) 1^st – Janina Sullivan, 2^nd – Siobhan Hanley, 3^rd – Saara McCormack
(Boys 16-18) 1^st – Colin Duggan, 2^nd – Michael Reid, 3^rd – Shane McCarthy
(Girls 16-18) 1^st – Emer Harrington, 2^nd – Marie Sullivan, 3^rd – Louise Reid. (19 and over Men) 1^st – Darragh Kingston, 2^nd – Gary Hilliard, 3^rd – Dan Sullivan
(19 and over Women) 1^st – Mary Killen, 2^nd – Maureen Sullivan, 3^rd – Lorraine Harrington

Swimming Races
(Under 10’s mixed) 1^st – Kevin Johnson, 2^nd – Steven Crowley, 3^rd – Maeve Killen
(Under 12’s mixed) 1^st – James Rhodes, 2^nd – Meave Johnson, 3^rd – Nora Hall
(Boys 12-15) 1^st – William Reid, 2^nd – Finbarr Sullivan, 3^rd – Jeff Sullivan
(Girls 12-15) 1^st – Emily White, 2^nd – Jana De Olivera, 3^rd – Kate Murray
(16-18 Mixed) 1^st – Jamie Harrington, 2^nd – Emer Harrington
(19 and over Men) 1^st – Henry Johnson, 2^nd – Stewart Reid, 3^rd – James Harrington
(19 and over Women) 1^st – Kathleen Brown, 2^nd – Derville Sullivan, 3^rd – Mary Killen

Greasy Pole: Winner was Dan Sullivan

Pillow Fights:
(Under 18) 1^st - Michael Reid, Runner-up – Marie Sullivan
(Over 18) 1^st – Paul Elphick, Runner-up – Gary Moriarty

A very big thank you to those who sponsored individual prizes as follows:
JJ Dwyer Electrical Cork for a 21” Colour TV;
AIB Castletownbere for a fine piece of pottery;
Lawrence Cove Marina, Lawrence Cove Restaurant, Mary Murphy (Rerrin Post Office), Kitty’s Café, Dessies Bar and Murphy’s Ferry for a well stocked hamper;
and the business people of Castletownbere for various spot prizes.
Many thanks for their generous sponsorship are also due to Lawrence O’ Rourke, Shellfish-De-La-Mer, Chris Barry, Paul O’ Shea, Bere Island Ferries, Bank of Ireland, West Cork Bottling and the Hotel, Bere Island, who, in addition, sponsored the children’s disco.

Also thanks to those who were very generous with their sponsorship but prefer to remain anonymous.

This marvellous event would not have been possible without the hard work of the organising committee, Ann Marie Harrington, Marie Orpen, Noreen Dennehy, Adrian Moriarty and Michael O’ Leary. A special mention for Adrian Moriarty who acted as MC for the weekend, Dan McCarthy who photographed all the different events, and Bernie Murphy and the Projects Office for administrative support for the Festival.  Thanks to John R and Charlie Coughlan for providing entertainment nightly in the pub.

The festival aims to raise money for the RNLI and so far ticket sales have raised £654 while the FCA and Army Personnel visiting the Bere Island Camp have collected £220.

Finally, thank you to all residents and visitors in Bere Island and Castletownbere who made this event such an outstanding success, we look forward to seeing you again next year.