Fifty Skiffs, River Outriggers, Kayaks, Canoes, Dragon Boats and Currachs Smash 1,000km Target to Eaise €20,000 for RNLI Lifeboats and the Irish Underwater Search & Recovery Unit

31st January 2023

River Liffey All in a Row organiser Dave Kelly with the IUSRU at the prizegiving at the Poolbeg Yacht and Boat Club

The All In A Row Liffey Challenge was held in early December on the capital’s River Liffey with the challenge for the rowers to smash a 1,000km target in eight hours. Fifty skiffs, kayaks, canoes, dragon boats and currachs were on the water to raise funds for RNLI Lifeboats and the Irish Underwater Search & Recovery Unit. Thanks are due to the rowers, supporters and sponsors for their generosity. Special thanks to Dublin Port, Dublin City Council, Google, Poolbeg Yacht & Boat Club and Dublin Bay Old Gaffers Association for their valued support.

The event organised by the All in a Row Challenge Crew started from St. Patrick’s Rowing Club at the Tom Clarke Bridge (formerly the East Link Bridge) and rowers turned just before the Ha’penny Bridge, rowing back down river to the Tom Clarke Bridge. This annual challenge is undertaken with the aim of showcasing the River Liffey as one of Dublin’s best amenities while raising funds for the water related charities; RNLI Lifeboats and the Irish Underwater Search and Recovery Unit. The event raised €20,000 this year for these two charities.

The All in a Row Awards at Poolbeg Yacht and Boat Club

Dave Kelly, Founder of All in a Row Liffey Challenge thanked all the rowing clubs for their support for this annual event, ‘it is great to see the Liffey being enjoyed by so many rowers.’

The All in a Row Crew are Dave Kelly(Chair) - Draiocht Na Life, Philip Murphy -St. Patrick’s Rowing Club, Eoin Gaffney - Phoenix Masters Swimming Club, Mick Curry -Stella Maris Rowing Club, Peter Carey – Phoenix Rowing Club, Richie Nolan – Phoenix Rowing Club, Tony Kelly – East Wall Water Sports Group, Dave Cox – St. Patrick’s Rowing Club, Gerry Coonan – Wild Water Kayak Club, Seamus Hallahan – Dublin Vikings Dragon Boats, Eugene Kierans & Richard Kaye – Irish Underwater Search and Recovery, Rose Michael, Royal National Lifeboat Institution- Howth Lifeboat Station.

Dun Laoghaire RNLI provided on-the-water support along with Clontarf Yacht & Boat Club, East Wall Water Sports Centre and the Irish Underwater Search & Recovery Unit. The Sea Scouts from 1st Port Dublin and 5th Wicklow (Bray) provided welcome hot drinks ashore.

The RNLI Water Safety Teams from Howth and Dun Laoghaire were on shore, sharing water safety advice and lifejacket information.

Published in Currachs, Dublin Bay Old Gaffers, Poolbeg Yacht and Boat Club, Coastal Rowing, RNLI Lifeboats, River Liffey

Published in Currachs

Tagged under

River Liffey

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About Currachs

A currach is a type of boat unique to the west coasts of Ireland and Scotland. Traditionally, currachs have a wooden frame over which animal skins or hides are stretched. These days, the wooden frame is more likely to be covered in canvas, which is then painted with tar to make it waterproof.

"Naomhóg" is the name given to the type of currach which used by coastal communities in Cork and Kerry. Currachs differ from each other from region to region. Naomhógs are slightly longer than the currachs used in the West of Ireland.

Some believe that currachs first came to the Dingle Peninsula in the early 19th century. They say this type of boat was introduced from Clare, where currachs are known as "canoes".

Currachs are a unique type of boat that can be found on the west coasts of Ireland and Scotland. These boats are traditionally constructed using a wooden frame over which animal skins or hides are stretched. While this practice is still observed by some, many modern currachs now feature a canvas covering which is painted with tar to make it waterproof.

In coastal communities located in the Cork and Kerry regions, a specific type of currach is used which is known as a Naomhóg. Naomhógs are slightly longer than other types of currachs used in the West of Ireland. It is believed that currachs were first introduced to the Dingle Peninsula in the early 19th century, having been brought over from Clare where they are known as "canoes".

Despite the fact that currachs have been in use for centuries, the different regions in which they are used have developed their own unique variations. As such, currachs can differ from one another significantly depending on their geographic location. Nonetheless, these boats remain an integral part of coastal communities, serving as a reminder of our shared maritime heritage.

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