Tom MacSweeney
Tom MacSweeney writes a column for Afloat.ie. He is former RTE Marine Correspondent/Presenter of Seascapes and now has a monthly Podcast on the Community Radio Network and Podcast services
The crew of Jarlath Cunnane’s expedition yacht Northabout which sailed expeditions to the Northwest and Northeast Passages is to protest outside the Russian Embassy in Dublin on Wednesday at 2 pm for one hour to highlight the plight of a…
The International Paralympic Committee has outlined the terms and timeline for sports seeking inclusion in the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, USA World Sailing CEO, David Graham, says the international federation for the sport is putting “the reinstatement of…
I’m encouraged by the opening of the Under 25 support programme for the season ahead. It is a further positive step towards bridging the gap through which young sailors were lost to the sport. That was when they wanted to…
Where will marine protected areas and marine conservation zones be located in Irish coastal waters and what effects will they have on sailing, watersports generally, angling, commercial fishing, shipping? The Marine Environment Section in the Water Division of the Department…
Marine Casualty Investigation Board Tells Clubs to Audit Their Safety Systems
30th December 2021 Tom MacSweeney
The annual report of the Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB) for last year came a bit late this year to make as much impact as it could. It arrived in my email at the start of the month, a time…
Many of my memories from fifty years of journalism in all sectors of the media, from local weekly newspapers, to national dailies, radio and television, involve lifeboat stations. In tragedy and celebration that has been the focus of coastal communities,…
There is no doubt that youth involvement is key to the future of sailing. So it is wise for clubs to devote attention to developing youth sailing leading, hopefully, to onward transition into adult boats and classes and cruiser racing.…
“Personnel Issues Are a Blind Spot in the Coast Guard”- John O’Mahony, Volunteers Representative Association
12th November 2021 Tom MacSweeney
John O’Mahony, Chairman of the first representative association for Coast Guard volunteers, says that “Personnel issues are the worst failing in the Coast Guard. It’s like a blind spot.” He was Deputy Officer-in-Charge of the Toe Head Unit, originally the…
Monkstown Bay Sailing Club's Dinghy Racing Season Ends in Cork Harbour
8th November 2021 Monkstown Bay Sailing Club
Monkstown Bay Sailing Club's dinghy racing ended for the season on Saturday, with the conclusion of the October League in Cork Harbour which had extended into November to finish a series of eight races. Laser sailor Ronan Kenneally was the…
Former Commodore Dave Sullivan of Kinsale Yacht Club on Mentoring an Under 25 Keelboat Development
4th November 2021 Tom MacSweeney
More clubs around the country are developing cruiser racing opportunities for young sailors. It is, increasingly, being seen as vital to ensure that clubs themselves have a future. The biggest loss to sailing has been when young sailors leave dinghies…
Kerry Solo Sailor Peter Lawless Will Try Again to Sail Around the World Non-Stop
27th October 2021 Tom MacSweeney
Disappointment is always hard to take, but Peter Lawless is determined, even though he has, this time, failed in his ambition to become the first Irishman to sail around the world non-stop. The Kerry solo sailor left Kilrush Marina in…
Monkstown Bay Sailing Club is Buzzing With Dinghies in Cork Harbour
15th October 2021 Monkstown Bay Sailing Club
Monkstown Bay Sailing Club is based in the inner part of Cork Harbour and is buzzing with the start of its October League and, says Club Commodore, Sandy Rimmington, a revival of the 5O5 fleet and a plan to expand…
It was discussed in the Seanad on Wednesday the fifth of March in 2003….. Senator Joe O'Toole, a teacher by profession was an Independent Senator, served as General Secretary of the National Teachers Organisation and President of the Congress of…
Royal Cork Yacht Club's AIB Autumn League Will Be Hotly Contested
22nd September 2021 Tom MacSweeney
"We have a lot of quick boats entered, and it's going to be a very competitive and hotly-contested league," predicts the Royal Cork's Rear Admiral for Keelboats, Daragh Connolly, as he assembles fleet arrangements for the Autumn League, which begins…
Close racing is expected at Schull Harbour Sailing Club in West Cork on Saturday when the final league racing of the season takes place. Sean Norris, Commodore at Schull Sailing Club, says: "We are wrapping up our season here this…
Ciarán Oliver's family history goes back over a hundred years to what was then known as the fishing village of the Claddagh in Galway. His great-great-uncle, Máirtín, was the last 'King of the Claddagh'. The 'Loveen' doesn't go back quite…
I just love the approach of Galway sailors in mixing serious racing and enjoyment. If British sailors can have Cowes Week and West Cork has Calves Week, in Galway, they have Lamb's Week which has "gentlemanly racing," plenty of "craic,"…
Kilrush Solo Round the World Sailor Peter Lawless Doesn't Have Time for Anxiety
6th August 2021 Tom MacSweeney
Peter Lawless hasn't time for anxiety as he makes final preparations for his solo sail around the world. He has set Saturday, August 21, for his departure from Kilrush Marina in the Shannon Estuary. Amongst those giving support to Peter…
Nancy Roe of Galway City Sailing Club Describes The Ring of Sailing Around Galway Bay
1st August 2021 Tom MacSweeney
Galway Bay has a ring of sailing clubs dotted around the shoreline, says one of the founders of the Galway City Sailing Club, which is marking its 10th year in existence. It is an impressive grouping of maritime enthusiasts and…
Deep down, four miles beneath the surface of the North Atlantic, the wreck of Titanic is dying as Nature "takes it back to itself." So says Irish diver Rory Golden who is taking part in the current expedition to the…