The picturesque town of Kinsale Harbour in West Cork was packed with spectators over the weekend as it played host to the tenth annual St. Patrick's Maritime Festival. Despite a gloomy and wet day, the town was buzzing with excitement as the festival kicked off on Saturday night, March 16th. The highlight of the evening was the dazzling fireworks display, and yachts, boats and commercial craft lit up overall, which drew huge crowds from all over the region.

Kinsale Yacht Club Commodore Tony Scannell with Kinsale's St. Patrick's Maritime Festival committee ahead of last night's maritime parade by boats and fireworks display Photo:  Bob Bateman

As the gloomy day turned into a foggy evening, the organisers faced a difficult decision—whether to proceed with the parade and fireworks. However, they decided to take the plunge, and the event was a resounding success.

(L to R) Anthony Scannell, Commodore Kinsale Yacht Club, Celine Henderson of St. Patrick's Maritime Festival, James Lyons winning skipper and Aine Ryan O'Brien. Photo: Bob Bateman

Kinsale Yacht Club played an important role in the event, with members' boats involved in the on-the-water parade. The RNLI Kinsale lifeboat featured along with inshore and offshore fishing vessels, as well as yachts led by Kinsale Yacht Club Commodore Tony Scannell on board his yacht, "Hansemer." This resulted in a wonderful display as the boats emerged from the mist and passed by James' Fort. The coinciding fireworks provided great entertainment for all.

Commodore Scannell welcomed Festival organisers back to the clubhouse after the parade, where awards were presented to the best-dressed boats. 

Tenth Kinsale St. Patrick's Maritime Festival Photo Gallery by Bob Bateman

The logistics of putting on such a spectacular show were not without their challenges. The nearby Cork airport had to control permission for the fireworks display, which only gave a narrow window in which to hold it. However, the organisers pulled it off with aplomb, and the fireworks display was a true feast for the eyes.

The festivities kicked off at 7:30 pm, with participants gathering behind the Blockhouse to prepare for the parade. The procession began with a minute's silence in memory of Des Hurley, the Kinsale fisherman who passed away in December, setting the tone for a sombre yet celebratory occasion. 

Vid below by Mary Malone