What is the Naval Service?

The Naval Service is the Irish State's principal seagoing agency with "a general responsibility to meet contingent and actual maritime defence requirements". It is tasked with a variety of defence and other roles.

Where is the Naval Service based?

The Naval Service is based in Ringaskiddy, Cork harbour, with headquarters in the Defence Forces headquarters in Dublin.

What does the Naval Service do?

The Naval Service provides the maritime component of the Irish State's defence capabilities and is the State's principal seagoing agency. It "protects Ireland's interests at and from the sea, including lines of communication, fisheries and offshore resources" within the Irish exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The Naval Service operates jointly with the Army and Air Corps as part of the Irish defence forces.

When was the Naval Service formed?

The Naval Service was established in 1946, replacing the Marine and Coastwatching Service set up in 1939. It had replaced the Coastal and Marine Service, the State's first marine service after independence, which was disbanded after a year. Its only ship was the Muirchú, formerly the British armed steam yacht Helga, which had been used by the Royal Navy to shell Dublin during the 1916 Rising. In 1938, Britain handed over the three "treaty" ports of Cork harbour, Bere haven and Lough Swilly.

How many ships are in the Naval Service?

The Naval Service has nine ships - one Helicopter Patrol Vessel (HPV), three Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV), two Large Patrol Vessel (LPV) and two Coastal Patrol Vessels (CPV). Each vessel is equipped with State of the art machinery, weapons, communications and navigation systems.

What are the Irish Navy ship's names?

The ships' names are prefaced with the title of Irish ship or "long Éireannach" (LE). The older ships bear Irish female names - LÉ Eithne, LÉ Orla, LÉ Ciara, LÉ Roisín, and LÉ Niamh. The newer ships, named after male Irish literary figures, are LÉ Samuel Beckett, LÉ James Joyce, LÉ William Butler Yeats and LÉ George Bernard Shaw.

Are Irish Naval Service ships armed?

Yes. The 76mm Oto Melara medium calibre naval armament is the most powerful weapon in the Naval Services arsenal. The 76mm is "capable of engaging naval targets at a range of up to 17km with a high level of precision, ensuring that the Naval Service can maintain a range advantage over all close-range naval armaments and man-portable weapon systems", according to the Defence Forces.

How is the fleet managed and maintained?

The Fleet Operational Readiness Standards and Training (FORST) unit is responsible for the coordination of the fleet needs. Ships are maintained at the Mechanical Engineering and Naval Dockyard Unit at Ringaskiddy, Cork harbour.

Who is the head of the Irish Naval Service?

The Flag Officer Commanding Naval Service (FOCNS) is Commodore Michael Malone. The head of the Defence Forces is a former Naval Service flag officer, now Vice-Admiral Mark Mellett – appointed in 2015 and the first Naval Service flag officer to hold this senior position. The Flag Officer oversees Naval Operations Command, which is tasked with the conduct of all operations afloat and ashore by the Naval Service including the operations of Naval Service ships. The Naval Operations Command is split into different sections, including Operations HQ and Intelligence and Fishery Section.

What is the Intelligence and Fishery Section of the Irish Naval Service?

The Intelligence and Fishery Section is responsible for Naval Intelligence, the Specialist Navigation centre, the Fishery Protection supervisory and information centre, and the Naval Computer Centre. The Naval Intelligence Cell is responsible for the collection, collation and dissemination of naval intelligence. The Navigation Cell is the naval centre for navigational expertise.

What is the Fishery Monitoring Centre?

The Fishery Monitoring Centre provides for fishery data collection, collation, analysis and dissemination to the Naval Service and client agencies, including the State's Sea Fisheries Protection Agency. The centre also supervises fishery efforts in the Irish EEZ and provides data for the enhanced effectiveness of fishery protection operations, as part of the EU Common Fisheries Policy. The Naval Computer Centre provides information technology (IT) support service to the Naval Service ashore and afloat.

How are shore operations managed?

This headquarters includes specific responsibility for the Executive/Operations Branch duties. The Naval Service Operations Room is a coordination centre for all NS current Operations. The Naval Service Reserve Staff Officer is responsible for the supervision, regulation and training of the reserve. The Diving section is responsible for all aspects of Naval diving and the provision of a diving service to the Naval Service and client agencies. The Ops Security Section is responsible for the coordination of base security and the coordination of all shore-based security parties operating away from the Naval base. The Naval Base Comcen is responsible for the running of a communications service. Boat transport is under the control of Harbour Master Naval Base, who is responsible for the supervision of berthage at the Naval Base and the provision of a boat service, including the civilian manned ferry service from Haulbowline.

Does the Naval Service undertake overseas missions?

Naval Service ships have undertaken trade and supply missions abroad, and personnel have served as peacekeepers with the United Nations. In 2015, Naval Service ships were sent on rotation to rescue migrants in the Mediterranean as part of a bi-lateral arrangement with Italy, known as Operation Pontus. Naval Service and Army medical staff rescued some 18,000 migrants, either pulling people from the sea or taking them off small boats, which were often close to capsizing having been towed into open water and abandoned by smugglers. Irish ships then became deployed as part of EU operations in the Mediterranean, but this ended in March 2019 amid rising anti-immigrant sentiment in the EU.

How can I join the Irish Naval Service?

Essentially, you have to be Irish, young (less than 32), in good physical and mental health and with normal vision. You must be above 5'2″, and your weight should be in keeping with your age.

Are there women in the Naval Service?

Yes, women have been recruited since 1995. One of the first two female cadets, Roberta O'Brien from the Glen of Aherlow in Co Tipperary, became its first female commander in September 2020. Sub Lieutenant Tahlia Britton from Donegal also became the first female diver in the navy's history in the summer of 2020.

What is a Naval Service Officer cadet?

A naval cadet enlists for a cadetship to become an officer in the Defence Forces. After successfully completing training at the Naval Service College, a cadet is commissioned into the officer ranks of the Naval Service as a Ensign or Sub Lieutenant.

What training is involved in becoming a Naval Service officer cadet?

A cadet trains for approximately two years duration divided into different stages. The first year is spent in military training at the Naval Base in Haulbowline, Cork. The second-year follows a course set by the National Maritime College of Ireland course. At the end of the second year and on completion of exams, and a sea term, the cadets will be qualified for the award of a commission in the Permanent Defence Force as Ensign.

What qualifications are required to become a cadet?

A cadet trains for approximately two years duration divided into different stages. The first year is spent in military training at the Naval Base in Haulbowline, Cork. The second-year follows a course set by the National Maritime College of Ireland course. At the end of the second year and on completion of exams, and a sea term, the cadets will be qualified for the award of a commission in the Permanent Defence Force as Ensign. The Defence Forces say it is looking for people who have "the ability to plan, prioritise and organise", to "carefully analyse problems, in order to generate appropriate solutions, who have "clear, concise and effective communication skills", and the ability to "motivate others and work with a team". More information is on the 2020 Qualifications Information Leaflet.

When can I apply to become a Naval Service cadet?

When you are 18 years of age or over and under 26 years of age on the date mentioned in the notice for the current competition, the officer cadet competition is held annually and is the only way for potential candidates to join the Defence Forces to become a Naval Service officer. Candidates undergo psychometric and fitness testing, an interview and a medical exam.

Where is the National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI)?

The NMCI was built beside the Naval Service base at Ringaskiddy, Co Cork, and was the first third-level college in Ireland to be built under the Government's Public-Private Partnership scheme. The public partners are the Naval Service and Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) and the private partner is Focus Education.

What is a Naval Service recruit?

A Naval Service recruit enlists for general service in the "Other Ranks" of the Defence Forces. After successfully completing the initial recruit training course, a recruit passes out as an Ordinary Seaman and will then go onto their branch training course before becoming qualified as an Able Body sailor in the Naval Service.

What qualifications are required to become a Naval Service recruit?

No formal education qualifications are required to join the Defence Forces as a recruit. You need to satisfy the interview board and the recruiting officer that you possess a sufficient standard of education for service in the Defence Forces.

What training is involved in becoming a Naval Service recruit?

Recruit training is 18 weeks in duration and is designed to "develop a physically fit, disciplined and motivated person using basic military and naval skills" to "prepare them for further training in the service. Recruits are instilled with the Naval Service ethos and the values of "courage, respect, integrity and loyalty".

What is a Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) career training?

On the progression up through the various ranks, an Able Rate will have to complete a number of career courses to provide them with training to develop their skills in a number of areas, such as leadership and management, administration and naval/military skills. The first of these courses is the Naval Service Potential NCO course, followed by the Naval Service Standard NCO course and the Naval Service senior NCO course. This course qualifies successful candidates of Petty officer (or Senior Petty Officer) rank to fill the rank of Chief Petty Officer upwards. The successful candidate may also complete and graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Leadership, Management and Naval Studies in partnership with Cork Institute of Technology.

What is pay like in the Naval Service?

Pay has long been an issue for just the Naval Service, at just over 1,000 personnel. Cadets and recruits are required to join the single public service pension scheme, which is a defined benefit scheme, based on career-average earnings. For current rates of pay, see the Department of Defence website

Displaying items by tag: Cork Harbour

30th May 2024

Jacob Ziemkiewicz Launches 'Bibi' for Mini Globe Race Sea Trials in Cork Harbour

Jacob Ziemkiewicz from Poland, who says he was “born to sail,” and whose plan to build his own boat of plywood construction to compete in the Mini Globe Race we reported on Afloat.ie last June, has launched and is sea-trialling Bibi in Cork Harbour.

She is part of the Globe 5.8 Class, has a 2.2 metres beam, 1.2 metres headroom and had to be built to a strict one-design. The amount of equipment that can be carried is also controlled.

He outlined the course of the race, starting at Lagos, Portugal, in December, to cruiser section members of the Royal Cork Yacht Club at Crosshaven after the boat had been launched with the help of the local community at Aghada pier and pontoon on the eastern side of Cork Harbour. The 50-year-old Polish sailor, resident in Ireland for several years, built the boat there.

“We have a wonderful, hand-built in Aghada boat, which is preparing to travel the world,” the Lower Aghada Pier Community Association declared at the launching ceremony. “I’ve got great support and encouragement from the local community,” says Jakub.

The people of Aghada will be eagerly following him during the race which is to take in port p stops in Panama and at Tahiti, Tonga, Fiji, Darwin, Mauritius, Durban, Capetown, St.Helena, Recife and finishing back in Antigua, after 5,900 nautical miles. It costs €1,200 to enter the race which is limited to twenty international competitors.

The Aghada county of Cork Harbour turned out to cheer Jacob Ziemkiewicz from Poland on the launch of his mini yacht 'Bibi' for the Mini Globe Race

Don McIntyre is the founder and Race Chairman of the Golden Globe Race, Ocean Globe Race and the Mini Globe Race. The ‘Mini Globe Race’ is described as the first solo around-the-world race for mini, one-designs.

Published in Solo Sailing

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24th May 2024

Training Voyages for Young Cork People to Spend a Week Sailing 'Pirate Ship' this Summer

Here’s a chance for teenagers in Cork with an interest in life at sea to give it a go on board and experience a replica of a 19th-century sailing tall ship.

As CorkBeo writes, the youth sailing charity Sail Training Ireland is looking for those aged between 14 and 17 to take part in a 'training voyage' aboard the 91-foot Spirit of Falmouth between Monday, July 1, and Friday, July 5.

A second similar training voyage for adults aged between 18 and 30 is also to take place for the following week between Monday, July 8, and Friday, July 12.

Both of the voyages will be departing and returning to Cork Harbour.

The trainee sailors on the voyage will take the 1985-built timber-constructed ‘Spirit’ along the south coast to get to grips with life on the open sea. The vessel is based on the design of a traditional Mersey pilot schooner built using traditional methods in Liverpool.

The 88-ton schooner has a core crew of six with the capacity to carry 12 trainee passage crew, according to its operator, Turn to Starboard, based in the schooner’s homeport of Falmouth, Cornwall.

The voyages say Sail Training Ireland is designed to get "young people undertaking voyages on tall ships, effectively as part of the working crew."

Successful applicants will be able to undertake several tasks, including setting the sails, navigation, and climbing the rigging and masts. Accommodation is based on 18 bunks and two cabins, along with two ‘heads’ (toilets) and a purpose-built galley and saloon.

The schooner has the capacity for 12 trainees, and the fee for both the teen and adult voyages is €280.

Published in Tall Ships

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23rd May 2024

Cork Houseboat Resident Rattled by Freak ‘Tornado’ Weather Event

A Cork Harbour houseboat resident has told of his shock at seeing a “tornado” whipping towards him on Tuesday afternoon (21 May).

As Echo Live reports, Gavin Higgins was watching TV below deck on his converted classic RNLI lifeboat in Drake’s Pool when he was drawn to his cabin by a loud boom.

“It was a lovely day and I thought it was thunder, but I came up into my cabin and I saw this tornado making its way toward me,” Higgins says.

Video shot by passers-by shows the waterspout — the term for a whirlwind that forms over a body of water — whipping across the normally tranquil anchorage.

Luckily for Higgins, his houseboat the Lilly Wainright was unscathed in the incident.

“I always wanted to retire to Crosshaven and now I have,” the Doncaster native added. “I’m at home here, although I don’t know why God sent a tornado after me!”

Ireland is not known for such extreme weather events, but last December a tornado dealt significant damage to a number of moored motor cruisers in Co Leitrim, as previously reported on Afloat.ie.

Published in Cork Harbour

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14th May 2024

Cork Harbour Cruiser Racing League Revived

After a break since the impact of Covid, the Cork Harbour Combined Cruiser League is to be held again.

It will start on Friday, June 5, and be jointly organised by the Royal Cork YC and Cove SC. It is open to both Whitesail and Spinnaker racing and will run for four Fridays in June.

The event is sponsored by Johanna Murphy and Associates.

"It promises to be a fantastic league with the Harbour Clubs working together to deliver great racing for both clubs," says RCYC Rear Admiral Keelboats, Rob Foster.

The overall league prize-giving will be on Friday, June 28, in Cobh.

Sailing Instructions and the Notice of Race are being published on club websites.

Published in Cork Harbour

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11th May 2024

Carrigaline Choral Group Joins Royal Cork Yacht Club at Sunrise in Cork Harbour to Support Pieta's Annual 'Darkness into Light' Fundraiser

On Saturday morning, the Carrigaline Choral Group participated in the annual Darkness into Light national fundraiser with the Royal Cork Yacht Club. Up to 30 pleasure crafts sailed out into Cork Harbour before sunrise to support the charity Pieta, which raises awareness about suicide and provides support to those suffering from suicidal ideation, self-harm, or those bereaved by suicide.

A flotilla of up to 30 boats headed out into a misty Cork Harbour for the annual Darkness into Light national fundraiser with the Royal Cork Yacht Club Photo: Bob Bateman

The flotilla was led by Royal Cork Yacht Club Admiral Annamarie Fegan. The Carrigaline Choral Group was onboard the RCYC's Committee boat, Gem, and was accompanied by the Crosshaven RNLI inshore lifeboat.

The Darkness into Light flotilla of boats included the Crosshaven RNLI inshore lifeboat Photo: Bob Bateman

Although there was a foggy start to the proceedings, the boats set off from Crosshaven in a parade and headed for the entrance to Cork Harbour just off Roches Point.

Royal Cork Yacht Club Committee Boat Gem, skippered by marina manager Mark Ring underneath Roches Point at sunrise for the Darkness into Light charity appeal Photo: Bob Bateman

At 5:45 a.m., just after sunrise, Admiral Fegan raised the club pennant to honour the Darkness into Light charity appeal, and the choir, led by honorary choral secretary Mary Malone, sang in the misty morning.

Royal Cork Yacht Club Admiral Annamarie Fegan raises the club pennant to honour the Darkness into Light charity appeal Photo: Bob Bateman

Carrigaline Choral Group perform at sunrise off Roches Point in Cork Harbour as part of the Royal Cork Yacht Club's support of the annual Darkness into Light national fundraiser Photo: Bob Bateman

After the event, the fleet returned to the clubhouse for tea, coffee, and croissants.

Pieta was founded in Dublin in 2006 to provide free, accessible one-to-one counselling to people in need.

Royal Cork Yacht Club's 2024 'Darkness into Light' Fundraiser in aid of Pieta House Photo Gallery by Bob Bateman

Published in Royal Cork YC

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28th April 2024

Cork Harbour's Spike Island Subject of New Book Out This Week

One of Cork Harbour’s most notorious islands, Spike, is the subject of a new book published this week.

“Spike Island—the Rebels, Residents, and Crafty Criminals of Ireland’s Historic Island” was written by John Crotty and will be launched by Cork’s deputy mayor, Dr Colette Finn, on Tuesday (April 30).

The book charts how, over its 1300-year history, the island was once a monastic outpost in the Celtic Sea, a fortress built to defend an Empire, and, latterly, a prison established to intern a nation.

The island has garnered international attention many times, such as the famine-era prison overcrowding and inhumane conditions, the triumphant 1938 handover of the island from Britain to Ireland, and the violent prison riot in 1985.

Spike Island's Mitchel Hall Photo: Skytec

Located in the centre of Cork Harbour, Spike housed rebels like John Mitchel, who would inspire the 1916 generation, and 1200 Republicans during the War of Independence.

More recent arrivals include the notorious crime boss, Martin Cahill, known as “The General”, who terrorised 1980’s Ireland.

The book’s author, John Crotty, hails from Co Waterford and spent 11 years living in Britain, where he graduated from Swansea University.

An aerial view of Spike Island in Cork Harbour Photo: Skytec

On his return, John managed Spike Island Cork as CEO for six years, leading the island to international awards.

Under his stewardship, the island launched its popular “After Dark” tours and the first Spike Island Literary Festival.

Spike Island's 1850s punishment block Photo: Simon Hill

“No other place better encapsulates the Irish story,” the book’s publishers, Merrion Press, state. Crotty’s history is told in “an entertaining and accessible chronological style featuring accounts from island dwellers and the interned alike.”

Spike Island - the Rebels,Residents and Crafty Criminals of Ireland’s Historic Island by John Crotty is available in paperback at €18.99 (£17.99) from Merrion Press.

It will be launched with Cork deputy mayor Finn in Waterstone’s, St Patrick’s Street, Cork, on Tuesday, April 30th, at 6.30 pm.

The book’s author, John Crotty, hails from Co Waterford and spent 11 years living in Britain, where he graduated from Swansea University.

Published in Cork Harbour

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Cork Harbour

23rd April 2024

Bumper Fireball Fleet Get 2024 Season off to a Great Start at Munster Championships at Monkstown Bay

The 2024 Fireball Munster Championships were held on April 20th/21st at Monkstown Bay Sailing Club (MBSC) in stunning weather conditions writes the club's Chris Bateman

It had seemed like a long time coming, but alas, the wait was finally over, and the eve of the first event of the season for the Fireball class had arrived. Months of harsh winter sailing had been endured and so the event at Monkstown Bay was met with much enthusiasm and excitement from the Fireball sailors.
Sailors travelled from all over Ireland to attend, such as Dublin, Sligo, Wexford, Kerry and Cork, to name a few.

The first morning of the championship in Monkstown was a spectacular sight. Twenty-five Fireballs were packed into the dinghy park with competitors rigging at speed, eager to hit the water. Covers were folded away and sails unrolled. The crinkle of fresh spinnakers and sounds of enthusiastic chat were heard from all over. The atmosphere was bright and cheerful, the water a sparkling blue. The wind was warm and the sun was high, with a light sea breeze starting to fill in across the harbour. The air thrummed with anticipation while busy volunteers prepared for the day's racing.

The race area was set off Cuskinny Beach, some distance away from the sailing club. Race Officer Dave Barry and his team, along with Johnny Moynihan and co., set off early to prepare the triangular course in time for the midday starting gun. The Fireball sailors followed suit, launching early in their excitement for the races to come.

Monkstown Bay Sailing Club Race Officers Johnny Moynihan and Dave Barry and their team set the courses for the bumper Fireball fleet in Cork Harbour Photo: Bob Bateman

The wind filled in slowly from the South East, spreading across the course in an unsettled manner. Big wind shifts were to be the order of business for the day. The committee had a course set right on time despite the shifts.

When the five-minute gun sounded for Race One, the competitors piled onto the start line, jostling for position.

A race start for the bumper Fireball fleet in Cork Harbour Photo: Bob Bateman

The fleet eagerly pushed forward on the line until finally, the race was underway. It was a drag race to the first big shift on the starboard side of the course. The fleet was highly competitive with big position changes happening on every leg of the three lap course. It was to be a battle of patience and perseverance. In the end it was the team of Nicola Ferguson and Thomas Chaix of NYC who took first place, having played every shift as well as could be done. Just behind in second was Adrian Lee and Ossian Geraghty of MBSC. Daniel and Harry Thompson of Wexford took third place having picked up a big wind shift on the final lap of the race.
Race Two got underway in a clean manner. Ed Butler and crew Iso Inan of Sligo made the most of the light and tricky winds, to take first place. Ewen Barry and Sandy Rimmington of MBSC took second place. In third place it was Lee/Geraghty. All three scraped just ahead of the three boats competing behind in what was very nearly a six boat photo finish.

(Above and below) Colourful spinnakers as the fleet go downwind at the Fireball Munster Championships against the backdrop of Cork Harbour Photo: Bob Bateman

Race three was won by the current national champions Noel Butler and Stephen Oram of NYC. Having been slightly behind in the first two races, they found their mojo and left the fleet behind in the final race of the day. The ever consistent team of Barry/Rimmington took second place, with Ferguson/Chaix in third.
With three successful races completed the fleet headed for home in the scorching sun.

Overnight leaders were Nicola Ferguson and Thomas Chaix of NYC, who sailed a fantastic three races and showed their tactical skills in the best way possible.

Day two

Day two of the championship opened in a similar fashion. A lazy sun hung low over the bay and the sky was blue. The harbour was as still as a mill pond. A low tide made the bay look small but the birds sang and the water was inviting. The competitors arrived early, bulling to hit the water and get racing. The start was set an hour earlier than the day previous. The wind was due to fill in from the East, just in time for the first race.

Sails were hoisted and colourful spinnakers dried. Onlookers and supporters sat by, enjoying the spectacle.

The competitors prepared their tow lines in anticipation of a long haul out to the race area. Launching into the still waters of the bay, they paddled up to the tow boats and made fast their painters. Happy faces poked out from underneath bright sails and they began the tow out to Cuskinny.

The wind filled in from the East just as the hoard of Fireballs arrived at the race area. A soft eight-knot breeze blew over the course. There was a small wait for the breeze to settle, but it soon calmed down and proved to be gentle and consistent.

Race Four of the series kicked off at 11U30am. It became evident that overnight the fleet had become even more competitive, pushing the start line to the limit and fighting even harder all across the racecourse. All in good spirits, of course!

At the first windward mark, Ritchie Harrington and Sandy OʼBrien of MBSC took first place, sailing in at speed on the starboard layline. Three rounds later, at the finish line, Ewen Barry and Sandy Rimmington took first place, sailing well in the shifty conditions. Nicola Ferguson and Thomas Chaix took second place. In third place, Louise McKenna and Hermine Oʼ Keefe of RStGYC took third place.

For Race Five, the wind had swung around to the South East and picked up slightly. At the top it was a battle of four boats. Noel Butler and Stephen Oram fought against Barry/Rimmington, while Ferguson/Chaix fought with Chris Bateman and Lauren Murphy of MBSC. Positions changed constantly throughout the race and in the end it was Butler/Oram who took first place, with Barry/Rimmington in second and Ferguson/Chaix in third.

Race Six, the final race of the series brought 40 degree wind shifts and huge pressure changes, making it the most difficult of the day. The Thompson brothers led at the windward mark, however they were not safe. Barry/ Rimmington snapped at their heels in second, with Ferguson/Chaix in third. By the bottom of the leg, Bateman/Murphy had caught up and the next upwind became another battle between the four boats. Positions changed constantly and the racing was tight. Bateman/Murphy pulled into second, Barry/ Rimmington dropped back to fourth. However by the top mark, the top four had sailed into a wind hole and wallowed with sails hanging limp for a minute. Barry/Rimmington picked up a 30 degree shift from the right and crossed the fleet in first place while the rest wallowed. A 60 degree wind shift from the left ten seconds later allowed Ed Butler to sail back into contention, and Ferguson/ Chaix slipped passed the Thompons. Bateman/Murphy dropped back, having gotten stuck between both shifts.

In the end it was Ferguson/Chaix who took first place across the line, ahead of Barry/Rimmington in second place. The Thompsons held on to third place.

This concluded the day, and the fleet sailed home tired and happy. It had been a fantastic day racing in champagne sailing conditions. Upon arrival at the sailing club, the boats were packed away, sails rolled and covers donned. Once the pack was finished the weary competitors migrated to the club and basked in the evening sun while awaiting the prizegving. Easy conversation was had over cold drinks and discussion of the next Fireball Championship had already begun.

Monkstown Bay's Chris Bateman hard at work as class promoter, event organiser and competitor at the Fireball Munster Championships

The prizes were presented by MBSCʼs commodore Jacqui OʼBrien.

Ewen Barry and Sandy Rimmington of the host club won the Fireball Munster Championships (their first Fireball event).

Top Ten Fireballs at the Munsters

10th at the Fireball Munster Championships at Monkstown Bay Sailing Club - Ritchie Harrington/Sandy O’Brien Photo: Bob Bateman

9th at the Fireball Munster Championships at Monkstown Bay Sailing Club - Frank Miller/Neil Cramer Photo: Bob Bateman

8th at the Fireball Munster Championships at Monkstown Bay Sailing Club - Chris Bateman/Lauren Murphy Photo: Bob Bateman

7th at the Fireball Munster Championships at Monkstown Bay Sailing Club - Daniel and Harry Thompson

6th at the Fireball Munster Championships at Monkstown Bay Sailing Club - Louise McKenna and Hermione O'Keeffe

5th at the Fireball Munster Championships at Monkstown Bay Sailing Club - Ed Butler/Ismael Inan 5th Photo: Bob Bateman

4th at the Fireball Munster Championships at Monkstown Bay Sailing Club - Adrian Lee/Ossian Geraghty Photo: Bob Bateman

3rd at the Fireball Munster Championships at Monkstown Bay Sailing Club - Noel Butler/Stephen Oram Photo: Bob Bateman

2nd at the Fireball Munster Championships at Monkstown Bay Sailing Club - Nicola Ferguson and Thomas Chaix Photo: Bob Bateman

1st at the Fireball Munster Championships at Monkstown Bay Sailing Club - Sandy Rimmington and Ewen Barry Photo: Bob Bateman

Winners Sandy Rimmington and Ewen Barry of MBSC with MBSCʼs commodore Jacqui OʼBrien

Second place went to Nicola Ferguson and Thomas Chaix of the National Yacht Club, competing in their first event as a team.

Nicola Ferguson and Thomas Chaix of the National Yacht Club

Third place went to Noel Butler and Stephen Oram of the National Yacht Club.

Stephen Oram and Noel Butler of the National Yacht Club

Winning the silver fleet were Brian Jones and Barry OʼConnor of MBSC, in their first Fireball event.

Brian Jones and Barry OʼConnor of MBSC

Second place in the silver fleet went to Colm and Cormac Breene of DMYC. Third place in silver went to Paul ter Horst and Pat McGoldrick, also of DMYC.

Paul ter Horst and Pat McGoldrick

Winner of the Classic trophy for his recent restoration of his Fireball named “Whiskey” went to 16-year-old Sean OʼHerlihy from Iniscarra Sailing and Kayaking Club, sailing with his new helm, Frances Corkery of the same club.

Sean O'Herlihy and Frances Corkery were winners of the Fireball classic trophy

This concluded the first event of the season for the Fireball Class. The championship was an extreme success, with sailors coming from all over the country. The weather could not have been better, and the atmosphere could not have been happier. No fleet will match the Fireballs for their comradeship, friendliness, kind nature, and value. The class continues to grow rapidly as the people in our little country are quickly realising that the boat that they have been missing throughout their lives is a Fireball!

2024 Fireball Munster Championship Photo Gallery by Bob Bateman

(with thanks to photo boat driver Alex Barry for his assistance)

Published in Fireball

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22nd April 2024

Farewell LE Orla (P41) and LE Ciara (P42) as Navy Vessels Depart Cork Harbour for Scrapping

On Sunday afternoon, Cork Harbour was poignantly reminded of passing times as the now decommissioned LE Orla (P41) and LE Ciara (P42) were led out of their home port for the last time, heading overseas for disposal at a scrap recycling facility.

Both Peacock-class patrol vessels have been in service with the Irish Naval Service around the Irish coast since 1989.

As Afloat reported in December 2023, the decommissioning of the 712-tonne sister ships was partly due to their age, coincidentally all built in 1984; in addition, the vessels were taken out of service due to the ongoing crewing crisis that has impacted the service, which has led to not enough sailors to crew all its ships.

A Port of Cork pilot boat escorted the ships out of Cork Harbour in a relatively calm sea, with tugs fore and aft.

LE Orla (P41) and LE Ciara (P42) depart Cork Harbour

Published in Navy

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22nd April 2024

Monkstown Bay Sailing Club Pair Take Munster Fireball Dinghy Title in Cork Harbour (Photo Gallery Here!)

Ewen Barry and Sandy Rimmington of the host club are the 2024 Fireball Munster Champions after a six-race regatta held at Monkstown Bay Sailing Club (MBSC) in Cork Harbour.

A bumper 24-boat fleet contested the light to medium wind championships that is an early season boost for the class that staged the class world championship on Lough Derg in 2022.

Munster Fireball Champions 2024 - Ewen Barry and Sandy Rimmington of Monkstown Bay Sailing Club

Overnight leaders in the light to medium wind event saw Nicola Ferguson and Thomas Chaix, also of the NYC, lost out to Barry and Rimmington by a single point on Sunday.

National champions Noel Butler and Stephen Oram of the National Yacht Club on Dublin Bay finish third overall.

Second overall Nicola Ferguson and Thomas Chaix at the 2024 Fireball Munster Championships Photo Bob Bateman

There has been a resurgence of interest in the high-performance dinghy that has seen up to ten Fireballs in local competition over the winter in Cork Harbour.

2024 Fireball Munster Championship Photo Gallery by Bob Bateman

(with thanks to photo boat driver Alex Barry for his assistance)

Published in Fireball

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18th March 2024

Another Sail Loft for Crosshaven in Cork Harbour

Crosshaven in Cork Harbour is getting another sail loft.

Cork sailor ‘Nin' Nicholas O’Leary has announced that the former ‘Old Sunday Market’ building across the road from the Royal Cork Yacht Club in the village will be his base.

This follows the opening of a loft in Rush, north County Dublin in February, headed by David Kelly, who over the past decade has worked with various sailmakers across the industry and joined the Doyle Sails Solent Loft two years ago. He has raced Grand Prix boats such as the Cape 31s.

O’Leary has extensive world racing experience and has been with Doyle Sails of New Zealand, since 2019.

David Kelly

“David and I have been planning this for some time,” he told Afloat. “The Crosshaven loft has combined floor space of 400 sq.metres. Cleo Watkin, who formerly worked with Des McWilliam at Crosshaven, will manage the service, repairs and manufacturing requirements at the loft when it is up and running in the next two months at the Old Sunday Market, most recently known as the Hasset's Cafe building, 30 metres from the Royal Cork Yacht Club dinghy park fence.”

This brings the number of lofts in the Crosshaven area to three: UK Sailmakers Ireland, with a shop store at Crosshaven and a sail loft in nearby Carrigaline and Nigel Young running North Sails Ireland at Myrtleville and Cork Olympian Mark Mansfield running the Quantum Sails brand; which has a loft in Galway.

Published in Marine Trade

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