Roscommon,

A Venue for Shannon Yachting

Today and Yesterday

by

Vincent Delany

Part funded by

The Roscommon County Council Research Bursary

October 2016.

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Map 1. ROSCOMMON YACHTING VENUES. THOSE REFERRED TO IN THE TEXT ARE SHOWN IN RED. THE RIVER SHANNON FOLLOWS THE EASTERN BORDER OF ROSCOMMON COUNTY.

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1.0 CONTENTS

1.0 Contents……………………………………………………………….page 3.

2.0 Schedule of maps……………………...………………………..…………...4.

3.0 Schedule of illustrations……………………………………………...……..5.

4.0 Methodology……..…………………………………………………………7.

5.0 Introduction…………………………………………………………...…….9.

6.0 Killinure Yacht Club………………………………………………………11.

7.0 Athlone Yacht Club regattas………………………………………………14.

8.0 Lough Allen regattas………………………………………………………16.

9.0 Lough Key regattas………………………………………………………..21.

10.0 Gailey Bay regattas, Lough Ree………………………………………….27.

11.00 North Shannon Yacht Club……………………………………………..38.

12.0 Hydroplane racing at Tarmonbarry………………………………………45.

13.0 Lough Ree Yacht Club, at Lenihan’s Hodson Bay Hotel………………..49.

14.0 Inland Waterways Association of Ireland………………………………..53.

15.0 Conclusions………………………………………………………………55.

16.0 References………………………………………………………………..56.

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2.0 SCHEDULE OF MAPS

Map 1.- County Roscommon, showing yachting venues………….page 2.

Map 2.- Killenure Lough, off Lough Ree.1……………………………..11.

Map 3.- Lower Lough Ree.2…………………………………………….12.

Map 4.-Hodson Bay on Lough Ree.3……………………………………15.

Map 5.-Lough Allen……………………………………………………..17.

Map 6.- O’Reilly’s Island, Lough Allen.4……………………………….20.

Map 7- Mid Lough Ree and Gailey Bay5………………………………..27.

Map 8.- North Shannon Yacht Club premises at Killmore.6…………….38.

Map 9.- River Shannon at Tarmonbarry.7………………………………..45.

1 Killinure, Map of Waterston Demesne, (N.L.I. MS 14A 29). 2 H. J. Rice, Thanks for the memory (Athlone, 1954), p.214. 3 Ordnance Survey Map original edition (www.myplan.ie) (21 Sept. 2016). 4 Ibid. 5 H. J. Rice, Thanks for the memory (Athlone, 1954), p.51. 6 Ordnance Survey Map, original edition (www.myplan.ie) (21 Sept. 2016). 7 Ibid. 4

3.0 SCHEDULE OF ILLUSTRATIONS

Image 1.- The type of vessel used by members of Killinure Yacht Club.8…...13.

Image 2.- Hodson Bay, home of Leonard Hodson.9 …………………………..14.

Image 3.-O’Conor’s Lough Allen Lodge.10…………………………………...16.

Image 4.-Newspaper advertisement for Lough Allen regatta.11……………….18.

Image 5.-O’Conor’s boathouse at Lough Allen Island12……………………....19.

Image 6. Water Wags on Lough Allen in 2015………………………………..20.

Image 7. Lough Key and Rockingham, seat of Viscount Lorton.13 ………..…22.

Image 8.- Colleen yacht moored at Rockingham harbor in the 1890s.14…...…23.

Image 9.- Steamer at Rockingham harbor in the 1890s.15……………………..23.

Image 10.- S.V. Grania moored at Lough Key.16……………………………...25.

Image 11.-Lough Key shore-side facilities.17………………………………….25.

Image 12.-Programme for Gailey Bay regatta………………………………...28.

Image 13.- The regatta scene at Gailey Castle in 1903.18………………………

Image 14.- Results of rowing races at Gailey Bay Regatta……………………35.

Image 15.- Gailey bay competitors and committee……………………………35.

Image 16.- The Audax, owned by William Potts.19……………………………36.

Image 17.- Yachts Amorita, Vill-u-an, Foam and Witch racing on Lough Ree.

Image 18.- Gailey Castle in 2015.20

8 Athlone Independent, 4 June 1834. 9 Hodson Bay, (https://s-media-cache- ak0.pining/originals/26/19/93/26199343162ff80255ffa3a5b85a5b02.jpg) (6 Oct 2016). 10 Christiaan Corlett, Jane W. Shackleton’s Ireland (Cork, 2012) 11 Roscommon and Leitrim Gazette, 30 July 1859. 12 Christiaan Corlett, Jane W. Shackleton’s Ireland (Cork, 2012) 13 Rockingham, seat of Viscount Lorton. (N.L.I. ET A696) (Formerly N.L.I. 1612TA). 14 Boat harbor Rockingham, (N.L.I. Lawrence collection L_CAB_07 854). 15 Boat harbor Rockingham, (N.L.I. Lawrence collection L_CAB_07 854). 16 IWAI archives. 17 Alf Delany archives in possession of the Vincent Delany, Dun Laoghaire. 18 Water Wag Club archives in possession of the Vincent Delany, Dun Laoghaire. 19 Lough Ree Yacht Club archives, Hillquarter, Athlone. 5

Image 19.-Unloading Dublin Bay Water Wags at Jamestown Canal in 1904.21

Image 20.-North Shannon Yacht Club regatta and the clubhouse c.1920.22

Image 21.-North Shannon Yacht Club regatta and houseboats c.1920.23

Image 22.- The military band at North Shannon regatta c. 1920.24

Image 23.- Water Wags at Lough Boderg 2015.25

Image 24.-Alfred F. Delany’s hydroplane, Hold Everythin’III. 26

Image 25.- Hydroplanes on the river Bann.

Image 26.- Lough Ree regatta competitors at Hodson Bay in 1958.27

Image 27.- Lough Ree regatta scene at Hodson Bay c. 1960s.

Image 28.- Jimmy Furey in his workshop 2015.

Image 29.- I.W.A.I. rally at Roosky in 1964.28

20 Copyright, Con Murphy, Rathfarnham. 21 Water Wag archives in possession of Vincent Delany, Dun Laoghaire. 22 Alf Delany archives, in possession of Vincent Delany, Dun Laoghaire. 23 Ibid. 24 Ibid. 25 Water Wag newsletter 2015. 26 Longford Leader, 15 Aug. 1931. 27 S.O.D.A. archives in possession of Ruth Delany, Killiney. 28 I.W.A.I. archives. 6

4.0 METHODOLOGY

As a lifelong active Shannon yachtsman, who has, since the 1950s, spent

many happy hours cruising, and racing to and from the banks of County

Roscommon, I believe I have an insight into the motivation of yachtsmen of the

past, and of today.

My methodology consists of reading the available documentation on the

subject, of which there is surprisingly little written material. (See bibliography

below.) A detailed survey of engravings on the club trophies at the Lough Ree

Yacht Club was undertaken. This gave me the names of many of the gentlemen

who competed in yachting events. Many of these trophies originated at the North

Shannon Yacht Club, which is no longer active. (See Chapter 11.) I examined

regatta programmes on display at Lough Ree Yacht Club premises in Ballyglass/

Hillquarter, Co. Westmeath. This led me to a study Gailey Bay, and the regattas

which took place there, and ultimately to organize and compete in a 21st century

regatta there in 2015. The next step was to research the history of the Crofton

family from Mote Park, and Lady Georgina Crofton’s diaries of 1835-7529

which illustrate the lifestyle and interests of the family. Lord Edward Henry

Churchill Crofton competed at a regatta held on Lough Key, organised by

Robert King of Rockingham, in the 1850s. King’s regattas at Lough Key were

run in sequence with Michael O’Conor’s regattas at Lough Allen. Edward King-

Tenison and Lady Tenison of Kilronan Castle were patrons to the Lough Allen

regattas. This led me to visit Kilronan Castle,30 and research the King-Tenisons,

who later became Earls of Kingston. Henry Edwin 9th. Earl of Kingston (1874-

29 Georgina Crofton’s Diary, (N.L.I. MSS 4066-4072). 30 Kilronan Castle, Keadue, is now a hotel. 7

1946) raced at Gailey Bay, and was, in 1900, elected commodore of the North

Shannon Yacht Club which operated at the time on Lough Boderg.

The local newspapers such as Athlone Independent, Athlone Times, Athlone

Sentinel, Freeman’s Journal, Leitrim Observer, Roscommon and Leitrim

Gazette, Roscommon Journal, Roscommon Herald, Roscommon Messenger and

many others were studied, to obtain regatta advertisements and reports. The

newspaper reporters did not fully understand yachting, so many gave more

attention to the rowing races for the bogmen,31 which took place at regattas.

These reports described the huge numbers of country people who turned up at

the regattas to have a good time, and to observe the great yachts. In addition to

the newspapers the Hunt’s Yachting Magazine provided infrequent (but

technically accurate) reports on yachting activities in Irelands inland waters.

They assumed that yachts with names like Foam or Dream, were the same

yachts which raced at Cowes or on the Clyde. Generally, sailing yachts which

raced on the Shannon stayed on the Shannon, and didn’t travel further afield.

A substantial archive of race results, photographs, programmes and reports

were acquired by, and relate to the time when my late grandfather, Vincent S.

Delany,32 and my late uncle Vincent T. H. Delany33 who competed at regattas.

I have visited the Roscommon county libraries, at Boyle, and at Roscommon

town, to source background information relating to the times when regattas took

place, and to provide insight into the events of 1916.

31 Men who transported turf from place to place were described as ‘bogmen’. 32 Of Mohill, Co. Longford, and subsequently Church St. Longford. 33 Of Longford, Dublin and Belfast 8

3.0 INTRODUCTION

My recent National University of Ireland, Maynooth, M.A. (history) thesis

‘Yachting and Yachtsmen on the River Shannon, 1830-1930’ investigates the organisation of yachting on the River Shannon through the nineteenth century, and the first third of the twentieth century. It demonstrates how yachting contributed to the quality of life, for all the Shannon-side occupants of the Irish midlands, not only those who were rich enough to own a yacht.

This document, which was prepared for Roscommon County Council, highlights the yachting activities on the eastern edge of that county, and describes how yachting was, and continues to be beneficial to the economy, and culture of a part of Ireland relatively unknown to Irish and European tourists.

My thesis reveals that the three dominant yachting activities on the Shannon, were yacht racing, cruises-in-company, and military manoeuvers. Between 1830 and the present day, Roscommon has been a venue for each of these types of yachting. In particular, Lough Ree was the site of military manoeuvers organised by the Athlone

Yacht Club, cruising on the Shannon always existed, but grew rapidly following the foundation of the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland by my namesake34 and others in 1953. Yacht racing and cruising took place on Roscommon waters, at

Lough Allen, Lough Key, Lough Boderg and Bofin, Carnadoe Waters, Lough

Forbes, Tarmonbarry and Lough Ree. By yachts, we include houseboats and motor boats.

The geography of England, Scotland and Wales, is quite different from

Ireland, and in particular from Roscommon, which enjoys extensive areas of

34 Vincent Thomas Higgins ‘Pompey’ Delany. 9 sheltered inter-linked navigable waters, ideally suited to various types of yachting activities.

The thesis has sections relating to the role of women in yachting, and the role of professional boatmen or ‘paid hands’. These sections have been omitted from this

Roscommon essay, in order to avoid duplication.

The references to the Rising in Dublin of 1916 was scarcely referred to in my thesis, mainly because many of the competitors in yachting events had an army career, and were required to return to their regiments as soon as war was declared in

August 1914. Thereafter, regattas and yacht racing and activities were generally discontinued for the duration of the great war, and resumed in 1919 only to be disrupted again during that period of civil unrest.

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5.0 KILLINURE YACHT CLUB

This club was founded in 1831 by Robert Temple from Waterston House in

Co. Westmeath. Three members of the Hodson family were founder members of

Map 2. KILLINURE LOUGH, OFF LOUGH REE, SHOWING TEMPLE ISLAND, HOME OF THE KILLENURE YACHT CLUB LOCATED CLOSE TO PORTANEENA (LOCATION OF WINEPORT RESTAURANT TODAY). the club. They were John Hodson snr.35, Edward Hodson36 and John Hodson

jnr.37 The club organized yacht cruising, drinking and dining on Temple Island

on the inner lakes of Lough Ree. (See map 2 above). James O’Donnell prepared

an estate map of the Waterston estate in 178638 which clearly shows a yacht

heading out to Temple Island, and a small house on the island which was later to

be adapted as a clubhouse. Among the yachts which partook in the yacht club

35 Who probably lived at Twyford, Westmeath. 36 Who lived at Twyford before he moved to ‘Rockhill’, Roscommon. 37 Lived at Johnsport, Carrownure Lr., Co. Roscommon at the time of Griffiths valuation. 38 James O’Donnell map of Waterston Demesne, 1786 (N.L.I. MS 14A 29). 11

activities, were Don Juan,39 Louisa40 and Water Witch, which belonged to

Edward Hodson, vice-commodore of the club.

The breeze being rather fresh, none of the vessels attempted to hoist their topsails41 etc. The Water Witch, the property of the Vice-Commodore, appeared to sail remarkably well; & it being her first trip this season, she commanded much attention.42

The object of this club was to

provide a social outlet from

members of the gentry, during the

summer months, outside of the

hunting season.

The yachts cruised and pic-

nicked around Lough Ree, and Map 3. LOWER LOUGH REE SHOWING KILLINURE, ATHLONE AND HODSON'S visited the ‘big’ houses of BAY. Roscommon, Westmeath and

Longford, such as ‘Hodson’s Bay’, ‘New Park’ or ‘Kilmore.’43

The character of the club can be found in the report below:

The members of the Killinure Yacht Club assembled on Tuesday last on the inner lake, and at 5 o’clock they rendevoused at Temple Island, where they dined. Their excellent and estimable Commodore, R. H. Temple Esq.44, presided, and it gives us much pleasure to state that he appeared in the enjoyment of renewed health, and contributed in every way to the hilarity of a very pleasant and sociable evening….……….As several pic-nic parties are fixed for this week,

39 Owned by John Cuppaidge of Rahugh, Co. Roscommon. 40 Belonging to Robert Temple. (see map seven of Gailey Bay). 41 Topsail is a three or four sided sail only used when the winds are fair. (See image one.) 42 Athlone Independent, 1 July 1835. 43 Rolf Loeber, ‘Demesnes on the shores of Lough Ree and Lower Lough Erne’ in Bernadette Cunningham & Harman Murtagh (eds) Lough Ree, historic lakeland settlement (Dublin, 2015), pp 153-7. 44 Robert Handcock-Temple 12

the K.Y.C. postponed their intended cruise until Monday next, when they weigh anchor for a week’s sailing, under the orders of the Commodore.45

The club collapsed within a few years of its foundation, due to the excessive

time and money demands of the Commodore, Robert Temple, of ‘Waterston.’

The Nationalist Rising of 1916 did not have any impact on the Killinure Yacht Club, as that club had collapsed many years prior to 1916. However, the descendants of the members found the new Ireland to be an inhospitable place for the Anglo-Irish gentry, and the big houses did not survive in the new environment. ‘Waterston’ was sold for building materials in 1928.46 ‘Moydrum Castle’ was burned in July 1921,47 ‘Hodsons Bay’ was sold and converted into a hotel, and ‘Kilmore’ was in ruins by 1832.48

Image 1. SHOWING THE TYPE OF HOOKER STYLE YACHT OWNED BY MEMBERS OF KILLINURE YACHT CLUB. IT SHOWS A JIB AND FORESAIL ATTACHED TO THE BOWSPRIT, A GAFF RIGGED MAINSAIL, AND A GAFF RIGGED TOPSAIL. 45 Westmeath Independent, 24 June 1835. 46 Richard Coplen, The rise and fall of a south Westmeath estate – Undated thesis in Aidan Heavey Library, Athlone. 47 Jeremiah Sheehan, South Westmeath farm and folk (Dublin, 1978), p.46. 48 Rolf Loeber, ‘Demesnes on the shores of Lough Ree and Lower Lough Erne’ in Bernadette Cunningham & Harman Murtagh (eds) Lough Ree, historic lakeland settlement (Dublin, 2015), p. 153. 13

4.0 ATHLONE YACHT CLUB

From 1770, and possibly earlier, town regattas were organized on

Lough Ree by the Athlone Yacht Club. Most regattas were based in

Westmeath but there was one exception. A report from A Young Irishman’s

Diary49 describes the annual Athlone regatta taking place in Roscommon.

Ballyglass Hill lies between Ballykeeran50 and the Shannon. It is here that the tents are pitched, and the people assemble annually to witness the regatta on Lough Ree. Thornley and I51 went there in August, and a pleasant day we had, although we got wet to the skin crossing from the Westmeath side to the Roscommon side, where the regatta was held this year. Mr. John O’Connell, who was present, is a small man, about 5ft. 5in. with sandy whiskers and probably about 29 years of age.

John O’Connell was

born in Dublin in 1910, the

third son of Daniel O’Connell,

‘The Liberator’. He was

elected (without a contest) to

represent Athlone in the 1837

election,52 as a Liberal Image 2. HODSON’S BAY IN THE 19th (Repealer). If he was aged CENTURY, HOME OF LEONARD HODSON. twenty-nine, this report must be dated about 1838 or 1839. Leonard Hodson

of ‘Hodson’s Bay’ was on the regatta committee from 183653,

It is probable that he arranged that the yachts would start or finish one of

their races on the Roscommon shore, close to the Hodson family home,

49 Rev. Wallace Clare (ed.), A young Irishman’s diary, (1836-1847) being extracts from the early journal of John Keegan of Moate (1928, March), p. 12. 50 Ballykeeran is on the N55 between Athlone and Glassan. 51 John Keegan of Moate. 52 Jim Lenehan, Politics and society in Athlone 1830-1885, A rotten borough (Dublin, 1999), pp 27-8. 53 Athlone Sentinel, 22 July 1836. 14

Hodson’s Bay. A report on the 1838 regatta, which took place on 11th

September and the following three days, describe the events as:

A race for yachts not exceeding 30 tons, open to yachts from any part of Ireland, - a timed race for a silver cup, value 20 gns. 54

There is no reference to the course set for the yachts. The yachts which took

part were Leonard Hudson’s Lady of the Lake, Mr. Potts Esq’s55 Peri and

Captain Smith’s Midge.56 One could assume that the yacht race finished at

Hodson’s Bay. There was no Athlone regatta in 1839.

Map 4. HODSON’S BAY ON THE ROSCOMMON SHORE, OPPOSITE BALLYGLASS, THE TRADITIONAL VENUE FOR THE ATHLONE REGATTAS AT THE SOUTH END OF LOUGH REE.

Although Ballyglass Co. Westmeath was the main venue of Athlone Yacht Club regatta, the evidence above shows that the regattas also took place in Roscommon in the mid 19th century.

It was not until the 1958 that the Lough Ree regattas returned to Hodson Bay. (See 13.0 below.)

54 Athlone Sentinel, 31 Aug. 1838. 55 Of Correen Castle, Co. Roscommon. 56 Athlone Sentinel, 14 Sept 1838. 15

6.0 LOUGH ALLEN REGATTAS

Image 3. LOUGH-ALLEN LODGE, THE FISHING LODGE BELONGING TO THE O’CONOR’S, PICTURED IN 1903. Michael O’Conor owned a clematis covered57 fishing lodge on a four

acre island, known as O’Reilly’s Island, at the south end of Lough Allen. The

lake is eight miles long by three miles wide, and 159 feet above sea level.58

The island was named after the O’Reilly brothers who operated an iron

foundry in the area in the early nineteenth century.59

It was here that Michael O’Conor organized annual regattas, from

1856 until 1871. Up to four large sailing yachts competed for a silver

challenge cup in each regatta. This was generally followed by rowing races

for gentlemen and for bogmen. These regattas attracted much of the gentry

from North Roscommon as spectators.

57 Jane Wigham Shackleton Diary, in possession of Richard Shackleton. 58 James Fraser, Hand book for travellers in Ireland descriptive of its scenery, towns, seats, etc, with all the railways now open (Dublin, 1859), p. 439. 59 Jane Wigham Shackleton Diary, in possession of Richard Shackleton. 16

Map 5. LOUGH ALLEN TODAY. AT THE SOUTH END OF THE LAKE, ONE CAN SEE THE PENINSULA WHICH WAS ONCE O’REILLY’S ISLAND. AT BOTTOM LEFT IS KEADEW, THE LOCATION OF KILRONAN CASTLE, HOME OF THE KING-TENIONS.

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Image 4. NEWSPAPER NOTICE ADVERTISING THE REGATTA.

A considerable party of spectators assembled as usual, at Lough-Allen Island, the beautiful residence of M. O’Conor Esq. which commends an unobstructed view of the excellent sailing course afforded by this noble expanse of water. Among the company present we observed the following, Edward King- Tenison Esq., and Lady Tenison, ‘Kilronan Castle’, Captain and Mrs. Tottenham (‘Glenfarne’), Mr. and the Misses Mansfield, Mr. Phillips, Madame de Janvern, Captain and Mrs. and the Misses Birchill (‘Black-rock’), Captain (John Robert) Irwin, Roscommon Regiment, Captain Duckworth (‘Mount Erris, Boyle),Francis la Touche Esq. ‘Drumhierny’, and Rev. J. Radcliffe (Curate of Dowra, Kilmore).60

O’Conor built a new yacht, The Avenger, in

1861 with the objective of winning the regatta.

Who built the yacht? Were the necessary skills

available in the area at that time?

The Avenger was built by Richard Pudley, of Dublin, who was previously foreman at the well-known Dublin yacht builder, Marshall. 61

Forty years later, in 1903, Jane W. Shackleton from Lucan, travelled

to Lough Allen in her motor boat The Pearl, and photographed the workshop

in which the yacht was built. At that time there was an old yacht stored on the

shore, without a mast, which appeared to have been converted into a motor

boat, by the addition of a small cabin. (See image five below). Was this the

remains of the Avenger? It probably was. For more information on these

60 Lough Allen regatta, in Hunt’s Yachting Magazine, x (1861), p. 458. 61 Ibid. 18

regattas, one should consult my thesis.

In 1903, Major O’Conor, then an old man, who owned a steam boat, named The Iris, which was powered by coal from the adjoining mines at Arigna.62 She was probably the only pleasure boat operating on the lake at

that time.

Image 5. THE O’CONOR BOATHOUSE ON LOUGH ALLEN ISLAND IN 1902.

By 1916, the environment in County Roscommon had changed,

following the land war, landlords or other gentlemen rarely had the

disposable funds to pay for large yachts. The canal from Lough Allen to

Carrick-on-Shannon was silted up and had been replaced by the Cavan and

Leitrim railway, for which the King-Tenisons were one of the main

investors.63 Lough Allen regattas were no longer taking place. Thus the

Nationalist Rising had no direct impact on the yachting activities, but it did

62 Jane Wigham Shackleton diary, in possession of Richard Shackleton. 63 Freeman’s Journal, 6 May 1885. 19

impact on the gentlemen who had served on the Grand Jurys and who ran the

political life of Roscommon.

The Water Wag Club from Dun Laoghaire re-enacted the Lough

Allen regatta in September 2014, when six Water Wag dinghies from Dublin

returned to Lough Allen, to hold what was probably the first regatta there for

one hundred and forty-three years.64 Although there is no record of the lake

having been surveyed for hidden rocks etc., the lake which is unobstructed by

islands, was found to be ideal for yacht cruising and racing.65

Image 6. WATER WAGS PENELOPE (No.16), MOOSMIE (No.15), MOLLIE (No.41), CHLOE (No.34) AND GOOD HOPE (No.18) RACING ON LOUGH ALLEN IN 2014 COMPETING IN THE SIMON NOLAN DOWNHILL RACE.

One characteristic of the lake observed by Jane Wigham Shackleton,66 and still true today, is its lack of good harbours and shelter, in the event that the wind being too strong ind become too strong on the lake, and vessels looking for shelter.

64 Fergus Cullen, ‘Simon Nolan 10th Anniversary Downhill’ in Water Wag Newsletter, 2014 p.31. 65 Ibid. 66 Jane Wigham Shackleton Diary, in possession of Richard Shackleton. 20

Map 6. O'REILLY'S ISLAND AT THE SOUTH END OF LOUGH ALLEN, SITE OF MR O'CONOR'S FISHING LODGE. NOTE THAT TODAY THE WATER LEVEL ON THE LAKE IS DIFFERENT FROM THE 1860s AND THE ISLAND IS NOW ATTACHED TO THE ROSCOMMON SHORE.

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5.0 LOUGH KEY REGATTAS

Following the success of Lough Allen regattas (see 6.0 above), Robert King, 2nd

Viscount Lorton, and later to be 6th. Earl of Kingston, deputy lieutenant for County

Roscommon67 and owner of Rockingham, Boyle, and Lough Key, did not want to be upstaged, so, he organized his own annual regattas at Lough Key, from 1858. The lake which is approximately 5.1 km. by 3.0 km., is much smaller than Lough Allen, and the open water is obstructed by many tree covered islands (see image seven).

Because the lake is really too small for racing of large yachts, the regatta courses required the yachts sail three laps of the course.68 Robert King’s influence in

Roscommon was such, that all the gentry of Roscommon wanted to be involved.

STEWARDS FOR LOUGH KEY REGATTA 1861 Land holding in Name Address 1871 Position Frenchpark, Lord de Freyne Roscommon 25,436 ac. Magistrate Member of Parliament. Colonel of the Frenchpark, Roscommon Fitzstephen French Roscommon 16,915 ac. Militia. Member of Parliament. Deputy Lieutenant for Roscommon. Clonalis, Foreman of Grand The O'Conor Don Roscommon 13,000 ac. Jury 1899. Lieutenant for Castle Roscommon. Edward King- Tenison, Custos Tenison Keadue. 11,345 ac. Rotolorum. Rockville, Deputy Lieutenant A.F. Lloyd Roscommon. 7,000 ac. for Roscommon Deputy Lieutenant Drumdoe, for Roscommon. Captain Matthew Boyle, Member of Grand Flanagan Roscommon. Jury 1899. Vice Chairman Roscommon Beechwood, Union. Member of Captain Irwin Roscommon Grand Jury 1899.

67 Thom’s directory 1862, (http://www.libraryireland.com/Thom1862/Roscommon.php) (6 Oct. 2016) 68 Anon., ‘Lough Key Regatta’ in Hunts Yachting Magazine, xi (1862), p.460. 22

Captain John Arthur Howard Mount Allen, Gorges Drumshanbo. Magistrate, Deputy Vice Captain W. Mount Erris, Chairman Boyle Duckworth Boyle Union. James Thomas Resident Butler R.M. Boyle Magistrate Boyle. Lough-Allen Michael O'Conor Lodge Joseph Bennett Kilrush, Little Ballinamore. Magistrate

On regatta day in 1862, Robert King, opened the gates of his demesne to his tenants.

Such an act was unheard of in the nineteenth century.

The band of the county regiment performed during the day, alternately between the private pleasure grounds of Rockingham and the Castle Island, while Robert King, as usual, had all the gates of the demesne thrown open from an early hour in the morning.69

IMAGE 7. A VIEW OF LOUGH KEY BETWEEN 1838-1880 BY J. NEWMAN. ROCKINGHAM HOUSE IS IN THE MIDDLE DISTANCE, CASTLE ISLAND ON THE L EFT, AND MEDIEVAL REMAINS ON CHURCH ISLAND IN THE 69 Anon., ‘Lough Key Regatta’ in Hunt’s Yachting Magazine, xi (1862), p. 460-1 FOREGROUND. (N.L.I. ET A686). 23

It must be assumed that drinking tents were erected on the demesne for the

tenants, and the residents of Boyle and the

surrounding townlands. The numbers of

yachts competing was small, generally no

more than six yachts. The premier prize at

Lough Key regatta of 1862, The Challenge

cup, was at sixty sovereigns, one of the most

valuable prize ever raced for at a Shannon

regatta.70

Regattas were held from 1858 until 1862 Image 8, COLLEEN SAILING YACHT AT ROCKINGHAM when an accidental fire caused substantial HARBOUR IN THE 1890s damage to ‘Rockingham.’ From 1862, there were yachts and steamers on Lough Key, but no more formal regattas were held there.

The 1916 Rising in Dublin did not have a direct impact on the yachting scene on Lough Key. However, by 1918 the Irish Republican Brotherhood had laid plans for securing arms wherever possible for the nationalist struggle, which they knew lay ahead. Instructions were passed Image 9, BOATMEN WITH A STEAMER IN from H.Q. to volunteer units ROCKINGHAM HARBOUR 1890s. throughout the country to seize any arms they could lay hands on in each locality.

70 Roscommon Herald, 5 July 1862. 24

One of the places where a quantity of arms and ammunition were stored, was the gun room in Rockingham House, the seat of Sir Thomas Stafford, Bart. Accordingly, a plan was drawn up for what has become known as the ‘Rockingham Raid’. It was carried out by I.R.B. men from Boyle and Ballymote, was one of the first raids for arms in the struggle for independence which followed the 1916 Rising. It was planned and carried to success without a hitch. The people of North Roscommon, were prepared to take more active steps to gain their freedom. The ‘Rockingham raid’ took place in February 1918, and in charge of the operation was Alec McCabe, with Patrick Delahunty, James P. Dodd, James Turbitt, James Haran, Stephen Brennan, John Sheerin, Martin Killalea, Patrick Sheerin, Patrick Spelman, James E. Feely, from Boyle, and Batt Keaney, Keash, and Michael McGuire, Ballymote. The latter drove his car from Ballymote, accompanied by McCabe and Keaney. They met the Boyle unit at the first Rockingham gate on the Carrick Road. The raiding party then went on foot to Rockingham House, and split into two sections, one section approaching from the rear and the other arriving at the main entrance. The butler (possibly Patrick Regan)71 answered a knock at the hall door, and when he inquired who was there, the name of an employee of the estate was given. The unfortunate butler opened the door, only to be confronted by a party of raiders. When he tried to close the door again he was overpowered, tied up and gagged. The other section entered by the kitchen, where they found the downstairs staff engaged in a card game. All72 the staff were taken to one room, and held under guard while the rest of the raiding party went to the gun room, where they stole three rifles, fifteen shotguns and a large quantity of ammunition. Thomas Stafford (who was a Roman Catholic)73 and his family were absent from the house at the time.74

However, Rockingham survived as the home of the King-Harman family, until

71 National Archives, census of Ireland 1911(http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/reels/nai003193304/) (12 Oct. 2016). 72 In 1911 census there were only five household staff, all of whom were Irish from Roscommon except the cook, Mary Downes who was from Dublin. 73 National Archives, census of Ireland 1911(http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/reels/nai003193304/) (10 Oct.2016). 74 The Rockingham Raid (http://www.theirishstory.com/2012/08/31/the-rockingham- raid/#.V_doCo8rLIU) (7 Oct. 2016). 25 the accidental fire of 1957, which destroyed the house for ever. 75

In 1925, in a

remarkable piece

of navigation, the

sea- going yacht

Grania, owned

by R. Purcell, a Image 10. GRANIA MOORED ON LOUGH KEY AT ROCKINGHAM. member of the

Royal Yacht Squadron,76 travelled from Cowes to the Shannon Estuary, and thence to Lough Key, where he moored at ‘Rockingham’.77 This cruise was remarkable, as the Grania was the largest and deepest vessel to navigate the full length of the

Shannon for many years.

From 1961 the Inland Waterways of Ireland (see section 10.0) organised rallies for motor boats, and houseboats on the Shannon. Many of these rallies culminated in several day’s activities and competitions on Lough Key. In 1961, sponsorship from a fuel company provided great encouragement to participants in the rally.78 The Rock of Doon was the final destination of the first rally.

75 The Rockingham fire (http://www.boyletoday.com/57-years-since-rockingham-fire/) (10 Oct. 2016). 76 The most prestigious royal yacht club in Cowes. 77 R. Purcell, Log of the Grania, 1925, in possession of Sean Fitzsimons, Athlone. 78 Chronology of IWAI (www.iwai.ie/history-of-the-iwai/) (10 Oct. 2016). 26

Image 11, SHORE SIDE FACILITIES AT LOUGH KEY FOREST PARK. In 1971, the Rockingham demesne was reconfigured by the Forest and Wildlife

Service as a public recreational park, managed by the Midland Regional Tourism

Organisation, with shore-side facilities for amateur boaters on the lake.79

In 2002, the Dun Laoghaire Water Wags under the direction of Simon Nolan of

Monkstown carried out an exploratory trip to Lough Key, and the Boyle river. The investigatory flotilla consisted of motor cruisers, Two Hoots, Albertina, and

Whitethorn, along with Water Wag dinghies Ethna, Tomboy and Mary Kate. Races were held in Lough Key, Oakport Lake, Lough Drumharlow. The event was declared a huge success, and invitations were sent to the entire thirty-four boat Dun Laoghaire fleet of Water Wag Club in Dun Laoghaire for the following year.80

In June 2003, Water Wags Shindilla, Tomboy, Badger, Mary Kate, and several others81 were towed from Dun Laoghaire, and launched in Lough Key. The event, classed as a ‘Downhill race’, was again organised by Simon Nolan and his family.

The small open sailing yachts raced from Lough Key down the Boyle River to

Knockvicar. More short races took place to the junction with the Shannon, and they continued downstream to Carrick-on Shannon and beyond.82

79 Chairman’s speech at inauguration of Lough Key Forest Park , 4 June 1971. 80 Simon Nolan, ‘The Unofficial downhill race 2002,’ in Water Wag Newsletter, 2002. 81 Philip Mahony, ‘Shindilla takes on division one’ in Water Wag Newsletter 2003. 82 Ibid. 27

6.0 GAILEY BAY REGATTA

Map 7. MIDDLE PART OF LOUGH REE WITH GAILEY BAY AND GAILEY CASTLE LOCATED ON THE ROSCOMMON SHORE ON THE LEFT. THE LOUISA SHOAL IS NAMED AFTER THE YACHT OF THE SAME NAME. On the west side of Lough Ree, Lord Crofton organized regattas from 1872

until about 1911. This was a personal enterprise. There was no yacht club at

Gailey Bay. Lord Crofton asked Roscommon based members of Athlone Yacht

Club, and members of Lough Derg Yacht Club to assist in the running of the

event. Due to the distance of ‘Mote Park’, home of Lord Crofton, from the

lakeside, and the fact that Lady Georgina Crofton had no interest in yachting,83

all the activities took place near the boathouse adjoining the old ruinous 14th

O’Kelly castle of Gaily, located at Gailey Bay on Lough Ree.

83 Georgina Crofton Diaries 1835-75 (N.L.I., MS 4066-4072). 28

A Longford poet wrote (at the end of the nineteenth century) about the hospitality offered at Gailey Castle in the past:

One morning in summer, in spirits we went Away to the Shannon on merriment bent When we launched a small boat and paddled our way Across its clear waters to sweet Gailey Bay.

The sail we enjoyed, as the day was so kind, The green woods of Cashel84 we left far behind, And just as we landed beyond on the quay We got a reception at sweet Galey Bay.85

Unlike previous regattas in other locations, the competitors at Gailey Bay regatta were not housed in the host’s house, ‘Mote Park’, which was located at a distance from the lake. The competitors brought houseboats, some of which (not having motors) were towed from elsewhere to Gailey Bay.86 Some competitors stayed in tents. However, Lords Avonmore and Castlemaine stayed with Lord Crofton in the big house.87 This regatta was held on the western, or weather shore. What was the implication of this? By virtue of being on the sheltered shore, often yachtsmen departing from shore, underestimated the wind strength, resulting in more damage to yachts, more capsizes and more risk of injury or even drowning of

Image 12 GAILEY BAY REGATTA yachtsmen, in an era when health and safety PROGRAMME - THE YACHT were not considered paramount. ILLUSTRATED IS A SOMEWHAT FANCIFUL TWO-MASTED OCEAN GOING YACHT OR Hunts Yachting Magazine of 1874 FREIGHTER.

84 Newtowncashel, Co. Longford. 85 Ned ‘The Poet’ Farrell, ‘Galey Bay’ in Sean Cahill, Jimmy Casey and Gearoid O’Brien’s Lough Ree and its islands (Athlone, 2006), p.65. 86 Interview with Alfred Delany, Clontarf (September 2003). 87 Georgina Crofton Diaries 1835-75 (N.L.I., MS 4066-4072). 29 describes a dangerous regatta incident at Gailey: Weather rather heavy for these small craft (under 5 tons); however, they gallantly sailed, the course being the same as for the larger yachts (under 30 tons), but only once round. The Secret filled and went down off Woodpoint buoy. The crew were saved by J.L. Peyton88 who, by good luck, was close alongside when the accident happened. The Ino won this race, but Captain Burke89 refused the prize, as The Bella was much delayed when picking up the crew of The Secret. The race is to be run over again.90

The Roscommon Messenger describes another such incident:

BOATING ACCIDENT ON THE SHANNON It seems that a small sailing boat, in which there were the Misses Kelly, Essex Lawn, Roscommon; Master and Miss Murray who reside near Athlone; and a Mr. Cheeseman, of London, who is on a visit to Mr. Dawson,91 Manager, National Bank, Roscommon, was sailing down the bay92 when it got caught in one of those sudden squalls to which the bay is subject. The boat was capsized and all the occupants thrown into the water. Mr. Cheeseman (to take the most charitable view of his action) seems to have lost his head, and immediately struck out for the shore, without making any attempt to assist his companions……..93

Despite the dreadful situation, young Murray supported the ladies until help arrived. the other occupants of the unfortunate boat survived. Another incident was described as follows:

MAN SAVED FROM DROWNING In the third race (on the first day of the regatta) which was a handicap race, for half-decked boats, and open centerboard Mermaids. Three started, but an accident occurred to one of the boats, Mr. Adamson’s94 Dream, with the result that the crew were thrown into the water.95

The occupants of The Dream were ultimately saved by the quick reaction of some of the other competitors, and the medical assistance which was provided at Mr. Payne’s home, Gailey Bay House.96

88 Of Lecarrow, owner of yacht Bella. 89 Of ‘The Abbey’, Roscommon. 90 Anon, ‘Galey Bay Regatta’, in Hunts Yachting Magazine, xxiii (1874), p.464 91 William J. Dawson aged 65 of 12, Abbey Street Lower, Roscommon. 92 Down Gailey Bay during the regatta. 93 Roscommon Messenger, 12 Aug. 1905. 94 From Auburn, Co. Westmeath. 95 Roscommon Journal, 22 Aug. 1908. 96 Ibid. 30

The regatta scene was described as follows: The regatta had been organized by a few local personages of note, and the people had been offered the privilege of subscribing for prizes and expenses- a privilege which did not appear to have been highly appreciated. I was unable to ascertain for what precise object the event was intended. It was not for the amusement of the classes, for none of the gentry took part in the competitions,97 as far as I could observe. It was not for the amusement of the masses; they took, but scanty interest in the proceedings, and nobody seemed to encourage them, or invite them to do so. No gate-money was taken. There was no charge for admission at all. There were no reserved seats. You came and went as you pleased. But it was highly respectable. The committee men wore red badges. There was a patron- some lord or marquis- but I am not certain whether he was alive or dead, present or absent.98 His name was in the programme, but I forget it. The organizing and managing committees were all busy doing nothing in particular, and there was a marquee in which they held consultations, and in which they refreshed themselves with whiskey obtained for that special purpose by public subscription. There was a flag staff planted on a hillock, from which floated a Union Jack.99 Another Union Jack floated from the pole of the marquee. There were four or five yachts in the river, and each had a Union Jack.100 Two wheezing steam launches also floated Union Jacks. A sailing boat of non-descript category was decorated in similar manner. There were no other flags except a blue and white signal pennant101 which was lowered or hoisted as occasion demanded. ……There were about a dozen tents for sale of sugar-stick, gingerbread, gooseberries, and there were two or three tents for the sale of drink.102 Five police men were on duty. There were, all told, about three hundred people present, including adults and children, classes and masses, committee men and spectators, attendants and competitors………..I observed several committee men leaving the marquee in a body. Their leader carried a double barreled shotgun103 across his arm. He had a pencil behind his ear, and a sheaf of papers protruding from his breast pocket. He marched with a firm tread to where the blue signal flag was flying, hauled it down, and then fired a shot, after which he and his comrades retired for refreshment. The hauling down of the flag and the firing of the shot gave the signal for the departure of two yachts on a race.104

Who were these committee men at the regatta?

97 The author was unaware that all the competitors were afloat in their houseboats. 98 Lord Crofton was present on his houseboat or yacht. 99 The author, William Bulfin, being a nationalist, did not approve of Union Jacks. 100 Yachts are always required to carry an ensign (flag) indicating their home club or nationality. 101 The ‘Blue Peter’ is the flag used to instruct yachtsmen to prepare for an imminent race. 102 For the benefit of the ordinary country people. 103 Shotguns with blank cartridges were used to draw the competitor’s attention to the flag signals. 104 William Bulfin, Rambles in Eirinn (https://archive.org/details/ramblesineirinn00bulfrich ) (10 Oct. 2016. 31

GAILEY BAY REGATTA COMMITTEE 1887105 Name Position Address Club

Edward Henry 3rd Baron Crofton Chairman Mote Park Roscommon

Hazel Point, Lough Derg T.S.W. Bernard Member Shannonvale, Tipperary Y.C.

Lough Derg Edmond Bayly Member Debsborough, Tipperary Y.C.

Thomas A.P. Mapother, member of Cloontogher, Kilteevan, Athlone Member Grand Jury 1899. (b.1839) Roscommon Y.C.

Lough Derg M.S. Bayly Member Debsborough, Tipperary Y.C. William J. Talbot, member of Grand Mount Talbot, Athlone Member Jury 1899. Roscommon Y.C. Joseph Burke Member The Abbey, Roscommon Sessional Crown Solicitor

John Neilan Esq., member of Grand Ballygalda, Ballintober, Member Jury 1899 (b.1846) Roscommon

Athlone John J. Kelly Member Shannonview, Athlone Y.C.

Carnagh, Kiltoom, Athlone Robert D. Levinge, farmer. Handicapper Roscommon Y.C.

George James Athlone Hon. Sec. The Villa, Roscommon Roscommon sub-sheriff Y.C.

Hon. St. Davids, Puckawn, Lough Derg William E. Holmes, Landlord. Treasurer Tipperary Y.C.

At the 1874 regatta, on 30th July, competitors were Lord Crofton’s thirteen ton cutter, Wanderer, William Potts Esq.’s106 cutter Audax of the same displacement (see image fifteen below), Viscount Avonmore’s107 eleven ton cutter Virago, and Henry Jackson’s eight ton cutter Haidee. The course was twenty-two miles, requiring the yachts to travel to Priest Island, and Woodpoint buoy and home, twice around in opposite directions.108 Gailey Bay regattas were strongly supported by competitors from the other Shannon lakes. In 1889, Captain Smithwick’s The Countess,109 Mr. Waller’s

105 Roscommon Journal, 16 Jul. 1887. 106 From ‘Correen Castle’, Roscommon 107 From ‘Belle Isle’, Lorrha, Co. Tipperary. 108 Anon, ‘Gailey Bay Regatta’ in Hunts Yachting Magazine, xxiii (1874), p.464. 109 From ‘Youghal House’, Tipperary, a 15 ton cutter designed and built by Payne in Southampton. 32

Leila,110 Mr. Holmes’ Violet,111 and Mr. Smith’s Audax (see image below)112 competed for the Lough Ree Challenge Cup, presented by Lord Crofton.113 Smaller boats included Whimbrel,114 Seadrift,115 and Wild Duck.116

In 1891 there was a call to reinstate a ‘People’s day’ at the regatta. Joseph Burke of ‘The Abbey’ Roscommon wrote in the Roscommon Messenger: Up to this, the islanders, fishermen, and boat-owners along the coast participated in the sports, and the people of Roscommon and its surroundings were enabled to have an agreeable days outing. As I disapprove of the recent programme………..I have asked Mr. James117 to take my name off.118

Another letter signed ‘Quaker Island’119 in The Roscommon Journal stated that: Sailing matches are all very good for the ‘upper ten’ who can afford to take their intimate friends on board their yachts – to the chagrin of other friends and acquaintances- but such a regatta has no interest for the masses. Should you get a few of the Roscommonites to join you in getting up a rowing regatta at Gailey Bay, I will gladly hand you £1 towards the expenses.120

Was the programme amended? In 1891 regatta there were no rowing races, and Joseph Burke Esq. of ‘The Abbey’ was still listed as being a member of the regatta committee. There is no record of the programme for the 1892 regatta, so, we cannot confirm if there was a response to this call. A feature of this regatta (as with almost all other Shannon regattas) was the rowing events, which were strongly supported by the Islanders of Lough Ree. Michael and Kate Walsh lived on Inchcleraun with their family, and James and Maria Farrell and their family, and Margaret Connaughton.121 These people were great boatmen, who enjoyed a day’s competition at the regatta, against the land people. On the Black Islands, generations of Hanley and O’Hara families fished and

110 Robert J. Waller from ‘Summerville’, Nenagh, a 5 ton cutter designed and built in 1879 by G.L. Watson in Rutherglen, Scotland. 111 5 ton yacht belonging to Traherne Holmes of ‘St. David’s’, Puckawn, Tipperary. 112 Sydney Smith of ‘Portlick Castle’, Westmeath, a 13 ton cutter. 113 Roscommon Journal, 27 July 1889. 114 Half decker belonging to Lieut. Vincent, The Barracks, Athlone. 115 8 ton cutter belonging to George James, ‘The Villa’, Roscommon. 116 3 ton yacht belonging to Mr. G.A.G. Adamson of ‘Auburn’, Athlone. 117 Hon. secretary of the regatta. 118 Off the list of committee members. 119 The main occupant of Quaker Island in1901 was Michael Walsh, who could not read or write. 120 Roscommon Journal, 25 July 1891. 121 Census of Ireland 1901(www.census.nationalarchives.ie/reels/nai002886401/) (10 Oct. 2016). 33 farmed.122 Inchmore, further south, accommodated the Tiernan, Quigley, Nolan and Keefe families.123 The 1906 regatta reports124 saw the following results:

Image 13. RESULTS OF THE ROWING RACES AT GAILEY BAY REGATTA 1906. THE PUNT CHASE WAS A HUNT TO FIND A MAN AND A BOAT. IT WAS ALSO KNOWN AS A ‘DUCK HUNT’.

122 Gearoid O’Brien, ‘Island living: the modern story of life on the islands of Lough Ree’ in Bernadette Cunningham and Harman Murtagh (eds), Lough Ree, historic lake settlement (Dublin, 2015), p.224. 123 Ibid. 124 Roscommon Messenger, 18 Aug. 1906. 34

Image 14. CONTESTANTS AND COMPETITORS AT GAILEY BAY 1914. THE JARS CONTAIN WHISKEY, PROBABLY FROM KILBEGGAN.125 WAS THIS A BOATING TRIP? THERE WAS NO REGATTA IN GAILEY BAY IN 1914.

Image 15. THE AUDAX, A CUTTER OWNED BY WILLIAM POTTS OF CORREEEN CASTLE, AND LATER BY MR. SMITH OF PORTLICK CASTLE.

125 Lola Milligan/Leech archives, in ‘Abbey House’, Athlone. 35

By 1902 there was a race for open 18ft centerboard boats, with Tom Hogan,126 and Ned Norton127 competing.128 In the mermaid129 race, Wild Rose,130 Colleen Bawn,131 and Violet132 competed.133 Later in the week, on Tuesday, Mr. Devenish’s134 Plain John competed.135 In the larger yachts, 136 137 138 Nepenthe, Witch, Vill-U-An, Image 16. YACHTS, AMORITA, VILL-U-AN, Dorothy,139 Ruby,140 Seadrift,141 and WITCH AND FOAM RACING ON LOUGH REE. Martlet142 competed. (See image sixteen which shows some of the yachts listed above, which were described as luggers, yachts with two sails.) This was followed by rowing races. In 1904 a number of Water Wags competed at Gailey Bay regatta. They were Molly, Amorelle, Cupid, and San Atout.143 This was first time yacht races had been run at Gailey Bay without the need for handicaps. This was a significant step towards the creation of the Shannon one-design in 1922.

126 Stationer and newsagent from Church St. Athlone. 127 Boatbuilder, The Strand Athlone. 128 Roscommon Journal, 9 Aug.1902. 129 Mermaid is the collective term to describe half decked boats from 16’ to 20’ long. 130 Mr. J. Vaughan of ‘Mount View’, Athlone. 131 Owned by Ned Norton- possibly a Colleen one-design, designed by James Doyle of Kingstrown. 132 Owned by Mr. Magan, ‘St. Mark’s’, Kilkenny West, Athlone. 133 Roscommon Journal, 9 Aug. 02. 134 Probably Robert Devenish, from ‘Ivy House’, Drumsna. 135 Roscommon Journal, 9 Aug. 02. 136 Charles E. Tuthill, of ‘Lansdown’, Portroe, Tipperary. 137 George T. Parsons, shoe retailer of Northgate St, Athlone. 138 Major St.G. Parker-Hutchinson, ‘Castlelough’ Portroe, Tipperary. 139 Mrs. A. H. Mills, ‘Curraghbawn’, Newtown, Tipperary. 140 Traherne B. Holmes, ‘St. David’s’, Tipperary. 141 Rev. Dr. R.S.D. Campbell, St. Mary’s rectory, Athlone. 142 Arthur R. Temple-Harris, ‘Waterston’, Glasson, Westmeath. 143 Roscommon Journal, 20 Aug. 1904. 36

Image 17. GAILEY BAY REGATTA 1904, PHOTOGRAPHED FROM A HOUSEBOAT, SHOWING THE RUINED CASTLE, LORD CROFTON’S BOATHOUSE, AND THE TENTS BELONGING TO SOME OF THE WATER WAGS PITCHED BELOW THE CASTLE

GAILEY BAY, - REGATTA DATES 1870 1871 1872 1873 1874 1875 1876 1877 1878 1879 The Week Wat before none none 1 Aug. TBC 8 Aug. TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC er Wa 1880 1881 1882 1883 1884 1885 1886 1887 1888 1889 gs 20 23- 27 25- 24 TBC TBC 9 Sept. TBC TBC Aug. Aug Jul. Jul Jul. Swif t, 1890 1891 1892 1893 1894 1895 1896 1897 1898 1899 Tort 2nd 22- 29 week oise Jul Jul. TBC TBC TBC 31-Jul Sept TBC TBC TBC , 1900 1901 1902 1903 1904 1905 1906 1907 1908 1909 Mol week before lie, 2nd 19- 09- 13- Vel TBC TBC Aug Aug 15-Aug Aug Aug None None None a, 1910 1911 1912 1913 1914 1915 1916 1917 1918 1919 Pan 09- none Aug 19-Aug TBC none none none none none TBC sy, Pen 1920 1921 1922 1923 1924 1925 1926 1927 1928 1929 elop none TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC None None

37 e, Barbara, Moosmie, Maureen, Marie Louise, Good Hope Mary Kate and Scallywag returned to Gailey Bay in 2015, (see image eighteen) with six yacht races in both Blackbrink Bay and in Gailey Bay, followed by a picnic under the shadow of Gailey Castle,144 as their club-mates had done about one hundred years earlier.

Image 18. THE DUBLIN BAY WATER WAGS RETURN TO GAILEY BAY FOR A PICNIC IN 2015.

What was the impact of 1916 on these yachting events? There were no regattas during the great war from 1914-8. In May 1916, immediately after the rising, (Roscommon County Councillors) condemned the rising, reflecting the views of those who wanted home rule through peaceful means. In the meeting following the rising there was no mention in the minutes of the dramatic happenings in Dublin.145 This is because the record was (illegally) modified later. In 1916, similar peaceful attitudes would have been endorsed by some of the yachting community, although many would have been of a more Unionist outlook.

144 Vincent Delany, ‘Blackbrink regatta’ in Water Wag Newsletter, 2015, pp 34-6. 145 Frank Friel, Roscommon County Council, 100 years of local government, 1899-1999 (Roscommon, 2015), p.49. 38

7.0 NORTH SHANNON YACHT CLUB

Map 8. ORDNANCE SURVEY MAP, SHOWING THE TIN HUT, FLAGSTAFF, AND JETTY OF THE NORTH SHANNON YACHT CLUB AT THE NORTH END OF LOUGH BOGERG

It was Major Lloyd of ‘Rockville’, Elfin and his sons Billy and ‘Cootie’ who decided in the 1890s that the North Shannon, and in particular Roscommon, should have a yacht club comparable with the vintage clubs on Loughs Ree and Lough

Derg. Thus they organized a regatta on Lough Drumharlow in 1895, but found that lake proved to be too small for a real regatta. The Second regatta was held on Lough

Boderg in 1896 which was a huge success. Soon a very modest clubhouse was built on the Roscommon shore near Kilmore. The development of this club is more fully described in my thesis. The Water Wags from Dublin were invited to attend the regatta in 1904, and yachts travelled by train and donkey cart from Dublin.146

146 Alfred and Vincent Delany, The Water Wags, 1887-2012 (Dun Laoghaire, 2012), pp 44-5. 39

Image 19, IN 1904, A DONKEY AND CART WERE USED TO TRANSPORT THE DUBLIN BAY WATER WAGS FROM DRUMSNA STATION TO THE NEARBY JAMESTOWN CANAL.

Other larger yachts travelled up river from Lough Derg and Lough Ree to compete on Lough Boderg. The North Shannon Yacht Club was celebrated in song,147 written by one of the members, as follows:

The English may boast of their Henley. The Yanks the America Cup, But give me for sport health and beauty Boderg when the flags are all up. The boats they flock in in their thousands, At least sanguine Bob148 tells us so, The tin house is chock full of prizes All glittering there in a row.

147 Mrs. O’Neill Clarke, Boderg, dedicated to the Earl of Kingston, commodore of the club. 148 Bob Devenish of ‘Ivy House’, Drumsna was hon. secretary of the N.S.Y.C. 40

Chorus Then hurrah for the North Shannon Yacht club, Long, long may it prosperous be, May the fame of it’s bold navigators Reach down from Coothill to the sea.

The motto adopted and stuck to In spite of an odd angry face Is festina lente, especially The lente in starting a race. The marks are all late, but what matter, Blue Peter is sure to ascend Some time before dark!! And we finish A jolly good race in the end.

The man who arranges the races Should station police at each mark To tell us the course which he changes Not leave us to grope in the dark. The gun is fired off for each winner, Though sometimes the man with the bag, No cartridges finds there- and gunless The victor muss pass by the flag.

I’ve always a great deal of pity For those who have got to fix up The times for the races for all classes For its sure to be all a mix up. For Sweet is quite bound to be crazy If Ada149 has not got enough Delany is sure to want hours If Una150 goes out when it’s rough.

The clerk of the weather would find it Real hard to keep in with us all, For Nessa151 likes strong steady breezes And never a bit of a squall. And Ada just wants all he’ll give her With Murty152 to keep her all right The Meelagh153is best in big billows Light winds are the Kathleen’s154delight.

There’s lots of excitement when Russell155

149 Mr. Waller’s yacht. 150 Dr. Kieran Delany, Kiltoghert parish, Carrick-on-Shannon. 151 Yacht belonging to Mr. E. O’Neill-Clarke of ‘Caldra’, Carrick-on-Shannon. 152 Mr. Paddy V. C. Murtagh of Athlone, Solicitor. 153 Earl of Kingston’s Colleen yacht. 154 Mr. Tom J. Hogan of Church St., Athlone. 41

With Wilson156 sails off in Chin-Chin He’s sure to upset her and fill her, Except when a cup he will win The masts sometimes fall in the water Vide Meelagh, the Dream157 and Daireen158~ The loss of stays halyards and jib sheets Is sure to add fun to the scene.

One word I must say of our sailors For honour where honour is due I never heard tell of a better Than Parsons159 for sailing -did you? And Russell160 Magan and his sister161 Bob, Adamson, Hogan, and Sweet (The latter by proxy however) Are grand at the tiller and sheet.

And now to conclude my short story, And remember to each one his due, A tribute to Devenish162 is owing, For work most unselfishly done, He keeps the ball rolling all times, No one envies his troublesome job, He’s the soul of its very existence In fact the North Shannon is – Bob.

Perhaps this poem presents the character of the competitors, and the atmosphere of the regattas better than a long essay. Clearly the organization of the regatta was somewhat chaotic, despite bringing a specialist race officer from Dublin. He was Henry Reuss ‘Tulip’ Newland. Despite this the event was a hugely enjoyable, an occasion, an opportunity to share experiences, and hospitality.

155 Samuel M. Russel J.P., ‘Tully House’, Drumsna. 156 Of ‘Coolure House’, Mullingar. 157 Mr. Adamson of ‘Auburn’, Co. Westmeath. 158 Mr. M. McKeon of ‘Belmont’, Carrick-on-Shannon. 159 George T. Parsons of ‘Grane Oge’, Athlone. 160 Sam Russel 161 Miss Violet Magan, ‘St. Mark’s’, Kilkenny West, Athlone. 162 Bob Devenish, club secretary. 42

Image 20,-NORTH SHANNON YACHT CLUB ON LOUGH BODERG, WITH THE TIN SHED, WITH ITS CANOPY RAISED. TEA WAS SERVED FROM THE SHED. THIS PICTURE WAS TAKEN ABOUT 1925. This picture shows on the left some vessels, which were once old yachts, which having completed their racing career, were converted into house boats, providing accommodation for the competitors. In the mid-ground are the newly-built

Shannon one-design dinghies, designed by Mr. Frank Morgan Giles in 1920.163

Image 21, NORTH SHANNON YACHT CLUB REGATTA, WITH HOUSEBOATS ACCOMMODATING THE COMPETITORS, AND ROWING BOATS TO TAKE THEM ASHORE.

163 L.M. Goodbody, The Shannon one design class 1922-1972, A history (1972) p.21 43

The club survived, and ran sailing regattas from 1896 until 1929, after which time it focused on hydroplane speed boat racing, which it organised in conjunction with the Motor Yacht Club of Ireland.

Image 22. DUBLIN BAY WATER WAGS PREPARING TO START A RACE ON LOUGH BODERG 1903. THE MILITARY BAND SUSPENDED THEIR MUCIC TO ENABLE THE ORGANISERS TO FIRE THEIR GUNS. The picture above shows a breezy day for the seven Water Wags who sailed without the benefit of oil-skins or personal buoyancy. This event has been reenacted on Lough Boderg every year since 2003, with up to sixteen boats competing.

What happened in 1916? There were no regattas at the North Shannon Yacht

Club between 1915 and 1919. In other parts of Ireland there were problems, such as the food crisis which was exacerbated by the worst weather conditions for 50 years, and by a war economy which led to inflated food prices.164 On Easter Monday, the first indication of something being awry, was the station master at Nenagh who was

164 Gerard Dooley, Nenagh, 1914-21 years of crisis (Dublin, 2015), p.33. 44 telegraphed to halt all trains to Dublin, and not to allow anyone to board the trains from Tipperary.165 One might assume that the same situation existed at Roscommon station. News trickled down from Dublin to Nenagh that a major military conflict had taken place. It was a week before any more details of the Rising reached

Nenagh. Was the experience in Roscommon similar?

Image 23, DUBLIN BAY WATER WAGS RACING ON LOUGH BODERG, AND HEADING TOWARDS CARNADOE BRIDGE IN OCTOBER 2015.

165 Gerard Dooley, Nenagh, 1914-21 years of crisis (Dublin, 2015), p.19. 45

8.0 TARMONBARRY MOTOR BOAT RACING.

Map 9. THE RIVER SHANNON BELOW TARMONBARRY

The Motor Yacht Club of Ireland was founded in 1907, to support the sport

of cruising in motor boats with in-board engines. By 1920, the club was losing

members, as owners of motor boats did not feel the need of a club organisation.

However, soon afterwards, the arrival of powerful out-board engines

manufactured by Elto and Lockwood, resulted in young men, and men young in

spirit, building small lightly built boats described as hydroplanes, and achieving

great speeds on calm water. Dr. Vincent Sylvester Delany of Longford, who

lived during the summer months, on the yachts La Vague166 and Chang Sha167 at

Tarmonbarry, (possibly to avoid the heat and smells of the town in Summer),

encouraged the development of motor boat racing in Tarmonbarry.

In 1929 the North Shannon Yacht Club organised motor-boat racing as part

of their annual regatta on Lough Forbes. This venue, although fairly satisfactory

166 52ft. houseboat built Ringsend, Dublin in 1908 for Vivyan Stuart, Monkstown. 167 Houseboat built on Clyde in 1846 for Sankey Esq. 46

for competitors, did not provide adequate shore-based opportunities for

spectators.

In 1930, the Longford Leaded reported:

The great difficulty experienced by speed boat enthusiasts to attain the speed limit with their craft, is finding suitable racing water. Sheltered placid waters are most desirable, in fact necessary, to the success of the venture. And here, it is claimed, the Shannon at Tarmonbarry, provides the necessary waters.168

On Sunday 9 August 1931 seven motor boat races were held by the North

Shannon Yacht Club at Tarmonbarry. Prizes worth £300 were awarded.169 Lord

Granard was commodore of the club, and he endeavoured, with his committee of

Thomas William Delany SS170 vice commodore,171 and F.J. Gearty hon.

secretary to ensure the event was a success. The race judge was Mr. Myles

Kelly,172 editor of the ‘Irish Field’ magazine.

The crowd of spectators that thronged both sides of the river is evidence of how popular the regatta of the North Shannon Yacht Club has become. Hundreds of motor cars from all parts of Ireland could be seen in the enclosure, and a procession of motor busses plied all day long between Tarmon and the neighbouring towns.173

TARMONBARRY MOTOR BOAT REGATTA 1931

Hold Everythin' III won race Alfred F. Delany Longford Three Points second H.J. Mansfield Dublin? Ouida third H. Mc. Cann Star II engine failure Lord Granard Newtownforbes

COMPETITORS Nelt engine failure F.B. Booker

Among the prizes competed for were the Annesley Perpetual Challenge Cup,174

Commodores Perpetual Cup, and Forbes Perpetual Challenge Cup,

168 Longford Leader, 23 Aug 1930. 169 Longford Leader, 18 July 1931. 170 State Solicitor. 171 Demesne townland, Longford town. 172 Myles de Mello Kelly of Sandycove Road, Kingstown. 173 Longford Leader, 15 August 1931. 174 Presented by Annesley Motors, Dublin. 47

Image 24. ALFRED DELANY FROM LONGFORD’S HYDROPLANE HOLD EVERYTHIN III AT TARMONBARRY On Sunday 7 August 1932 a regatta was held at Tarmonbarry. The event was

again organized by the North Shannon Yacht Club, which by that time had

discontinued running yachting events. Rainbow posters175 were erected over

Longford and Roscommon encouraging people to watch the excitement of surf-

176

boat riding by the Kankas from Hawaii, and the motor boat races.

Image 25. MOTOR YACHT CLUB OF IRELAND RACING IN THE 1920s ON THE RIVER BANN WHRE CONDITIONS WERESIMILAR TO TARMONBARRY.

175 This probably refers to multi-colour printing. 176 Longford Leader, 6 Aug. 1932. 48

Promotional material described how:

Patrons are assured of thrills galore at the speed-boat racing regatta at Tarmonbarry.

TARMONBARRY SPEED-BOAT RACING REGATTAS Year: Date Notes Regatta and Aquatic festival. sailing, sculling, rowing, canoes, swimming, ladies swimming, 1927 3 July. diving, greasy pole etc. Sculling, fishing boat racing, swimming, 1928 4 Aug. yachting, speedboat-racing etc. 1930 4 Sept. Motor-boat racing. 1931 26 July. aquatic events. 1931 9 Aug. Motor-boat racing. 1932 7 Aug. Motor-boat racing.

After 1932, there was a decline in speed boat racing due to the high cost of maintaining, tuning and servicing the boats, and a corresponding rise in fuel costs.

49

9.0 LOUGH REE YACHT CLUB HODSON BAY

REGATTAS

Following the demise of the Athlone Yacht Club in the 1890s, the yachting enthusiasts on Lough Ree created the Lough Ree Yacht Club, which in time purchased land in Ballyglass/Hillquarter, Westmeath, and built a modest clubhouse.

This club fell into a decline as a yacht club in the 1950’s, with townspeople joining the club simply to make use of the club jetties for lake swimming.

A plan was drawn up to relocate the club on the Roscommon shoreline. A resolution to this effect was proposed in 1954 by Diarmuid Murtagh of Athlone, and seconded by his friend Tommy Gallagher.177 The plan was to sell the Ballyglass site to Westmeath County Council for a swimming centre, and to build a new clubhouse in Roscommon. The members at the 1954 A.G.M., voted on this proposal, which was approved by 25 votes to 15.178 Did the plan proceed? No. The County Council did not agree to this plan, so it immediately collapsed.

In 1958, the water level in Lough Ree (controlled by the E.S.B.) was so high that the Ballyglass jetties were covered with water, and were no longer usable. To address the problem and try to invigorate the club, it was decided, in 1958, to abandon the clubhouse and jetties at Ballyglass and move the club sailing activities to the Hodson Bay Hotel in County Roscommon,179 which was owned at that time by

Paddy Lenihan. Was this a surprising decision? No it wasn’t. Hodson Bay had a number of attractions.

177 Harman Murtagh and Alan Algeo, Lough Ree Yacht Club Waterways Ireland Classic Boats Regatta 2007 (Athlone, 2007), p. 20. 178 Harman Murtagh and Alan Algeo, Lough Ree Yacht Club Waterways Ireland Classic Boats Regatta 2007 (Athlone, 2007), p. 20. 179 Ruth Delany, Surging forward (Dublin, 1994), p. 15. 50

A) It was on the windward shore of the lake which made for easier launching and recovery of centre-board boats.

B) The hotel had a license to sell alcohol.

C) The venue was close to Kiltoom, where an attractive pub existed.

D) Paddy Lenihan owner of the hotel was very welcoming of the extra business which it brought to the hotel.

E) The hotel had no use for the barns and stables located at the back of the main hotel building, so these buildings were ideal for use storing the cotton sails which required a place to dry out after use.

E) The jetties were not flooded by the high water levels.

Image 26. LOUGH REE REGATTA COMPETITORS AT HODSON BAY HOTEL, Co. ROSCOMMON IN 1958. For eleven years (until 1969) the Lough Ree Yacht Club operated successfully in County Roscommon.180 Why did it leave? Since Athlone Yacht Club was founded in 1770, (and by 1970 there was no need to disown the Athlone Yacht

Club), 1970 would be its bi-centenary. Because of this special occasion, and because the Hodson Bay hotel had become too busy, it was decided to restore the Ballyglass clubhouse and to return to Co. Westmeath.

180 L. M. Goodbody, The Shannon one design class, 1922-1972, a history (Longford, 1972), p.54. 51

When in Roscommon what yachts took part in the racing? The sailing yachts at that time were exclusively Morgan-Giles designed Shannon one-designs, and the regatta participants did not stay in the hotel, they brought houseboats and barges such as Sid Shines ‘Fox’ with them, which greatly added colour to the scene.

Image 27. HODSON BAY HOTEL DURING LOUGH REE REGATTA, THE YACHTS ARE SHANNON ONE DESIGNS, AND THE BARGE ON THE RIGHT IS SID SHINE’S FOX, THE WHITE HOUSEBOAT IS FRANCESCA.

However the 1960s were a time of great growth in plywood dinghies, so the

Lough Ree club ran open events for visitors of the 505, and Enterprise classes, with competitors from Northern Ireland, Cork and Dublin.

In the late 1960s, the film ‘Alfred the Great’ starring Michael York, Ian

McKellen and Sinead Cusack was filmed on Lough Ree,181 and a special Viking longboat was built for the film.182 That boat still operates on the lake taking visitors from Athlone to Hodson Bay.183

181 Irish Yachting and Motorboating, November 1968, p. 16. 182 Alfred the Great (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0064000/fullcredits?ref_=tt_ov_st_sm) (12 Oct. 2016) 183 Viking boat (http://www.vikingtoursireland.ie/index.php/destinations/lough-ree) (12 Oct 2016). 52

It is not possible to talk about

Roscommon sailing without reference

to Jimmy Furey, from ‘Mount

Plunkett’. Jimmy spent a week’s

apprenticeship with Jack McArdle,

boatbuilder from Muckenagh. Jimmy

built his first boat in the 1940s for Tom

Walsh, from Quaker Island on Lough

Ree. From 1971, Jimmy started

building Shannon one-designs184 for G.

Goodwin and G. Pearce of Barley

Harbour, Peter Huskinson, G. McNeill-

Moss, Peter Mulvihill of Athlone, John Image 28. JIMMY FUREY AND HIS DOG TAYTO IN HIS BOAT-BUILDING Fletcher of Mullingar, Tom Day of WORKSHOP IN 2015. Dublin, Shane White, Donal Gleeson of Dromineer, Ivan Firth, Peter Swift, Hilary

Delany of Dublin, Jim O’Donoghue of Kilkenny, Mrs Niamh Mc Cutcheon of

Nenagh, Frank Guy from Cork, Stephen Tierney from Tipperary, Burke Corbett of

Wexford, Judy Hamilton of Dublin, Dr. J. O’Driscoll of Limerick, George Hooker of

New York, Mrs D. Kennedy, of Nenagh, Dr Graham Kearon of Kiltoom, Seamus

Breen, and William Prentice of Dublin. 185

These Shannon one-design boats were essential to the success and

continuation of yacht racing on Lough Ree.

184 Sean L Cahill, Gearoid O’Brien & Jimmy Casey, Lough Ree and its islands (Athlone, 2006).

185 L.M Goodbody and Ruth Delany, Shannon one design class 1922-1999 (Ireland, 2000), pp 284-7. 53

10.0 INLAND WATERWAYS ASSOCIATION OF

IRELAND

In 1954s Harry Rice, Vincent T.H. Delany and others, realizing that the potential for recreational yachting on the River Shannon was being restricted by the construction of low overhead electrical lines, and low bridges (without opening sections to facilitate yachts masts), founded the Inland Waterways Association of

Ireland. This association worked hard throughout the 1950s to encourage increased leisure use of the waterway. To this end they organized cruises, under the title

‘Shannon Boat Rallies’ from 1961. These rallies were a gathering of motorboat owners with an interest in the management of the river navigation. Rallies generally started in Athlone and continued north to Lough Key, stopping at Roosky, etc. on the way. At least one such rally was sponsored by Esso fuel, who asked yacht owner what size is engine was, and did a simple calculation on how much fuel would be required for a week’s cruising.

Image 29, I.W.A.I. SHANNON BOAT RALLY IN 1964 AT ROOSKY BRIDGE.

54

The 1962 rally, with over 100 boats, travelled from Athlone to Lough Key, and included the founder of the organization, Mr. Harry Rice. The prize-giving at the end of the rally was held in the grounds of the Hodson Bay Hotel.186

This association did succeed in many of its objective. It encouraged private boat-owners to make better use of the river, It prevented the building of low fixed bridges, it achieved the raising of electrical and telephone wires. It opened the way for commercial house-boat hire. It assisted in maintaining and reopening of the canals which link the Shannon to Dublin and to the Lough Erne waterways. It was their hands-on approach which was a valuable lesson in relation to the founding of Waterways Ireland.

186 Anon., ‘Inland Waterways’ in Irish Yachting and Motorboating, i, No. 2 (1962). 55

11.0 CONCLUSIONS

The River Shannon and its lakes which adjoin Co. Roscommon have continued to provide a unique ‘joined up’ facility for water sports, and for sailing in particular.

In the past, yachting was only available to the leaders of society who were wealthy. To these wealthy land-owners, churchmen, and military men a regatta was an important social occasion where one could meet one’s peers during the summer, a time when there was no hunting available. In total contrast, the islanders, and people who used boats as part of their livelihood, competed in the rowing races of the regattas. The winning of these races was most prestigious, and winners took home substantial prizes, and they remained a celebrity within the community, until the next regatta. At that time most of the country people who attended regattas as spectators, did so as their only holiday, which was not a religious holiday where activities were restricted by the religious standards of the day. Music and other entertainments and rare or seasonal foods were made available to these people at the regattas. The concept of week-end holiday is a twentieth century invention.

Today, yachting on the Shannon at Roscommon consists predominantly of cruising and racing. Cruising provides a restful break from the stress of city life, and provides contact with unspoilt nature. Racing is both a technical and skillful activity, which provides social opportunities. Yachting in all its forms is now a safer activity than ever before, as a result of more accurate weather forecasting, better first aid safety equipment such as lifejackets, better communication by means of VHF.

Although Roscommon was once the dominant venue for regattas, its place has been eclipsed by Counties Westmeath and Tipperary. The reason for this is that a today a large proportion of yachtsmen are city based, in Dublin, Galway or Limerick,

56 and the motorways provide ready access to the yachts clubs and marinas.

Unfortunately, there are, today, no year round yacht clubs in Co. Roscommon.

Image 30. THE BIG CUTTERS OF THE 1870s

57

12.0 REFERENCES

Primary Sources

Manuscripts

Aidan Heavey Library, Athlone

Coplen, Richard, ‘The rise and fall of a south Westmeath estate’ (MS undated).

O’ Brien, Gearoid, Hodson family, Roscommon (MS, undated), p. 217.

O’ Brien, Gearoid, Holmes family, Athlone (MS, undated), p. 218.

O’ Brien, Gearoid, Lyster family, Athlone (MS, undated), p. 294.

O’ Brien, Gearoid, Parsons family, Athlone (MS, undated), p. 364.

O’ Brien, Gearoid, Potts family, Roscommon (MS, undated), p. 373-6.

Oisin (a.k.a. Gearoid O’ Brien), Athlone Miscellany, the story of boats on the Shannon, (undated extract from newspaper).

Delany archives

Anon, ‘A short history of the Lough Derg Yacht Club, from: 1836-1905.’

Anon ‘Lough Derg Yacht Club, conditions of the Shannon one-design class’ (undated, c.1920-1921).

Anon, ‘Lough Derg Yacht Club, Signalling instructions for yachts in squadron’ (undated).

Anon, ‘No. 1 lake course, Motor Yacht Club of Ireland, 16 Aug 1928’.

Anon, ‘River course, Motor Yacht Club of Ireland, 16 Aug 1928’.

Browne, Frank, & Sons, boatbuilders, 9, Victoria Place, invoice dated 21 Aug. 1925.

Delany, A. F., ‘Founding fathers of the Shannon one-design class.’

Delany, A. F., ‘The North Shannon Yacht Club, a short history.’

Delany, A. F., ‘Record of (Motor Yacht Club of Ireland) racing 1930-32.’

Delany, A. F., ‘The Chang-sha- the oldest houseboat on the Shannon.’

58

Devenish, Robert, Drumsna to Vincent S. Delany, Longford, 15 July 1925.

‘General rules-of Lough Derg Yacht Club, 1907-established 1836.’

‘General rules of Lough Derg Corinthian Yacht Club, 1896.’

Inland Waterways Association of Ireland, ‘Map of Ballinamore and Ballyconnell Canal, 1965.’

Keneavy, P., boat builder Brick Island, Athlone, undated postcard.

Levinge, Walter, Creaghduff, Coosan to Vincent Delany, 10 Jan 1973.

Lord Granard, Castleforbes to Vincent S. Delany, Longford, 2 Sept. 1931.

‘L.D.Y.C. regatta regulations, 1884.’

‘Lough Derg Yacht Club, established 1836, membership list, 1895’.

‘Lough Forbes Regatta Programme, 1929, under the auspices of North Shannon Yacht Club and the Motor Yacht Club of Ireland’.

Lynch, J. J., Longford Terrace to Dignan, Roscommon 30 June 1904.

Middleton, Thomas B., ‘Water Wags on the Shannon, 1903,’ (dated 25 Feb. 1904).

‘Motor Yacht Club of Ireland, programme of fixtures, 1925’.

‘Motor Yacht Club of Ireland motor boat race programme held under the rules and regulations of the Tailteann Games, 1928.’

‘Motor Yacht Club of Ireland, programme of events, 1930.’

‘Motor Yacht Club of Ireland, programme of races at Ballyglass, 11 Sept. 1930.’

McKeon, M. V., ‘Lough Boderg Regatta, August 1914, recalled’ (Apr. 1969.)

Newland, Henry Reuss, ‘Record keeper’s notebooks, for North Shannon Yacht Club, Gailey Bay Regatta, Lough Ree Regatta, 1904, 1905, 1906.’

Newland, Henry Reuss, ‘Record keeper’s notebooks, for North Shannon Yacht Club, Lanesborough Regatta, Lough Ree Regatta, 1925-27.’

‘North Shannon Yacht Club programme for regatta to be held at Lough Bofin and Quaker Island, Lough Ree 1924.’

59

‘North Shannon Yacht Club programme for regatta to be held on Lough Bofin, 1926.’

O’Neill Clarke, Mrs, ‘Boderg regatta song’, dedicated to the commodore, right honourable, the earl of Kingston (undated).

Photograph of earl of Kingston at Gailey Bay c.1927 with his Colleen yacht ‘Meelagh’.

Photograph of North Shannon Yacht Club competitors, c.1912.

Report on the ‘Achilla’ Vs ‘Knockcrockery’ incident, 6 Sept. 1894 till 7 Dec. 1894.

Sanders, Lucie, Shehanagh Point, Coolbawn to Alf Delany, Clontarf, 18 Feb. 1999.

Shannon Navigation, Distances.

Waller, Hardress de Warrennne, The Turf Club, The Curragh to Alfred Delany, Clontarf (undated).

Water Wag Club, Kingstown, ‘List of members, 1903’.

Hydrographic Surveys

Sea Surveys (Ireland), Survey of Lough Eidin (Drumharlow) (1968).

Sea Surveys (Ireland), Survey of Lough Forbes (1968).

Office of Public Works, Dublin, Hydrographic survey of Lough Bofin & Lough Scannal (Dublin, 1965)

Office of Public Works, Hydrographic survey of Lough Boderg (Dublin, 1965)

Wolfe, James and R. B. Beechey, Hydrographic survey of Lough Derg on the River Shannon (Ireland, 1839)

Wolfe, James and R. B. Beechey, Hydrographic survey of Lough Ree on the River Shannon (Ireland, 1837)

60

Irish Architectural Archive.

Daniel Grose, painting of yachting at Inishbofin on Lough Ree (Lord Rossmore collection).

Longford County Library

Bernard Arthur William Patrick Hastings Forbes, 8th.earl of Granard (1874- 1948) (MS L22.801/012)

7th.earl of Granard (d.1889) (MS L22.801/012)

Lough Derg Yacht Club

Anon, List of yacht owners and gentry to be invited to Lough Derg Yacht Club regatta (MS undated, in possession of Reggie Goodbody, Garraunfadda, Co. Tipperary).

Barclay-Walker cup winners, 1900-2014 (MS in possession of Jack Bayly, Debsborough, Co. Tipperary).

Belle Isle plate.

Bruce plaque.

Castlelough cup.

L.D.Y.C. perpetual challenge cup winners, 2013 (MS in possession of Jack Bayly, Debsborough, Co. Tipperary).

Princess Mary cup, 1926.

St. David’s cup.

Shannon one-design jubilee medal.

Surprise cup.

Tigh-na-Mara plate.

Trophies won by SOD 37, 2012 (MS in possession of Jack Bayly, Debsborough, Co. Tipperary).

61

‘Lough Derg Yacht Club regatta programmes’ 1830-1930 (MS in possession of Reggie Goodbody, Erry, Garraunfadda, Co. Tipperary).

Lough Ree Yacht Club.

Albion challenge cup presented by Capt. A. Wolfe.

‘Athlone Yacht Club, regatta programme, 1836’.

Booth’s perpetual challenge cup, presented by the proprietors of Booths Dry Gin.

Centreboard cup, L.R.Y.C., 1914.

A. F. Delany, ‘History of the starter’s hut’ (Undated MS at Lough Ree Yacht Club).

‘Killinure Yacht Club, club regulations 1831’.

Longford challenge cup, N.S.Y.C..

‘Lough Ree Yacht Club, membership list, 1895’.

‘Lough Ree Yacht Club, membership list, 1912’.

Moydrum Trophy.

Parson’s challenge cup, presented by Grane Oge, for open boats unlimited sail area, L.R.Y.C., 1910.

Otway cup, L.R.Y.C., 1927.

Presented by Maunsell Esq. to the Athlone regatta stewards, July 1865.

Shannon Development Co. Ltd. Cup, July 1892.

Murtagh archives, Athlone, Co. Westmeath.

Diarmuid Murtagh, ‘The Log of the 8 metre yacht Truant, 1923’.

Diarmuid Murtagh, ‘The Log of the 8 metre yacht Truant, 1924’.

‘Log of the Torfrida, 1887’.

‘Log of the Audax’.

62

Sean Fitzsimons archives, Athlone.

R. Purcell, Log of the Grania, 1925.

National Archives of Ireland.

Map of Johnstown Estate, 1768 (N.A.I., M.2140).

Will of Bassett William Holmes, 1884 (N.A.I., 999/575/143).

Will of E. K. Tenison, (N.A.I., T. 5203)

Will of Lady Louisa Tenison (N.A.I., T. 5204).

National Library of Ireland.

Battersby & Co., ‘By the instructions of the Rt. Hon. The Earl of Kingston, catalogue of the valuable library of books, to be sold at auction, together with antique furniture, oil paintings etc. commencing on Tuesday, 22 April 1941 at 12 o'clock noon, at Kilronan Castle, Ballyfarnon, Co. Roscommon’ (N.L.I. Battersby collection IK 449).

Diaries of Lady Georgina Crofton, 1835-1875 (N.L.I., MSS 4066-4072).

Valuation survey of the estate of Edward K. Tenison esq. in the counties of Roscommon, & Leitrim 1862 (N.L.I. MS. 19,747).

Waterson, demesne map, prepared by James O’Donnell, 1786 (N.L.I. MS 14 A29).

Boat harbor Rockingham (N.L.I. Lawrence collection L_CAB_07 854)

Rockingham, seat of Viscount Lorton (N.L.I. ET A686).

Jocelyn Sanders archives, Garryduff, Co. Tipperary.

Greer, Wyntham, ‘The Wallers of North Tipperary’ (1995), private distribution.

63

Lola Milligan/Leech archives, Abbey House, Athlone, Co. Westmeath.

Family albums.

Shackleton archives,Virginia Park Lodge, Mullagh, Co. Cavan.

Craig, Thomas, Dublin to John Shackleton,Beech Park, Clonsilla, 13 Feb. 1933

Craig, Thomas to Frederick Carr,(undated)

Lucey, H.K. to Frederick Carr. Wheatstone Park, Wolverhampton, (undated).

University of Virginia

Gorges, Robert, Papers compiled for a book on the Gorges family 1616-1940 (MS University of Virginia, special collections, accession No. 1641).

Journals

The Christmas Lady of the House. The Motor Boat

Cois Deirge. Irish Field.

The Field. Water Wag Newsletter.

Hunts Yachting Magazine. The Yachtsman.

Irish Yachting and Motor Boating Yachting Monthly.

The Graphic. Yachting World.

64

Websites

N.U.I.G. Landed Estates.

Baldwin (http://landedestates.nuigalway.ie/LandedEstates/jsp/estate- show.jsp?id=4419) (27 May. 2016).

Bayly’s Farm (http://landedestates.nuigalway.ie/LandedEstates/jsp/estate- show.jsp?id=2994) (29 Nov. 2015).

Crofton estates (http://landedestates.nuigalway.ie:/LandedEstates/jsp/estate- show.jsp?id=) (27 May. 2016).

Doolan (http://landedestates.nuigalway.ie:8080/LandedEstates/jsp/estate- show.jsp?id=1111) (27 May. 2016).

Hodson, Rockhill (H1183) (http://landedestates.nuigalway.ie/LandedEstates/jsp/estate- show.jsp?id=1466) (31 May 2016).

Hodson, Hodson Bay (H1180) (http://landedestates.nuigalway.ie/LandedEstates/jsp/estate- show.jsp?id=1466) (31 May 2016).

King, Kingston (http://landedestates.ie/LandedEstates/jsp/search.jsp?q=Irish) 31 Oct. 2016)

Minnitt (http://landedestates.nuigalway.ie/LandedEstates/jsp/estate- show.jsp?id=2675) (30 Nov. 2015).

Turtle Bunbury

Burning of Knockcroghery (http://turtlebunbury.com/history/history_irish/history_irish_knockcroghery.h tm) (28 Jan. 2016).

Yelvertons, Viscounts Avonmore (http:/www.turtlebunbury.com/history_family/hist_family_yelv2.html) (30 Nov. 2015).

65

Census of Ireland.

Eliza Waller, 1901 (www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/tipperary/cloughprior/priorpark/ 1690773/) (3 Mar. 2016).

Ellen Koe, 1901 (www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/tipperary/castletownarra/yough al_village/1699933/) (3 Mar. 2016).

Ethel Mills, 1901 (www.census.nationalarchives.ie/Tipperary/Youghalarra/Carrowbane/822870 /) (3 Mar. 2016).

(www.census.nationalarchives.ie/reels/nai003318363/) (19 Mar. 2016).

George Sheffield 1901 (www.census.nationalarchives.ie/search/results.jsp?searchmorevisible=false &census_year=1901&surname ) (18 Feb. 2016).

Harriet Biggs, (http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/reels/nai003364755/) (7 June 2016)

HenryPercy, 1901, (www.census.nationalarchives.ie/search/results.jsp?searchmorevisible=false &census_year=1901&surname) (18 Feb. 2016).

James Dixon , 1901 (www.census.nationalarchives.ie/search/results.jsp?searchmorevisible=false &census_year=1901&surname ) (18 Feb. 2016).

Jonas Swain, 1901, (www.census.nationalarchives.ie/search/results.jsp?searchmorevisible=false &census_year=1901&surname ) (18 Feb. 2016).

Mary Prittie, 1901

(www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/tipperary/kilmore/kilboy/17005 30/) (3 Mar. 2016).

Margaret Connaughton, 1901 (www.consus.nationalarchives.ie/reels/nai0002886401/) (10 Oct. 2016).

66

Peter Kelly, 1901 (www.census.nationalarchives.ie/reels/nai000939677/) (18 Mar. 2016).

Ralph H. Morteshed, 1901 (www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Tipperary/Nenagh_West_Urban /Castle_Street/1697885) (28 Apr. 2016)

Thomas Jones, 1901 (www.census.nationalarchives.ie/search/results.jsp?searchmorevisible=false &census_year=1901&surname ) (18 Feb. 2016).

Michael Walsh, 1901 (http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Longford/Cashel_West/In chcleraun/1548026/) (11 Oct. 2016).

William J. Dawson, 1911 (http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1911/Roscommon/Roscommon _Urban/Abbey_Street_Lower__Ballypheasan_/783677/) (12 Oct. 2016).

William Balfe, 1911 (www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1911/Longford/Longford_No_1_Urb an/Richmond_Street/651561/) (5 Dec. 2015).

Myles Kelly, 1911 (http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/reels/nai000250533/) (12 Oct. 2016)

William Smith (www.census.nationalarchives.ie/search/results.jsp?searchmorevisible=false &census_year=1901&surname ) (18 Feb. 2016).

Thomas Stafford, 1911

(http://www.consus.national archives.ie/reels/nai003193304/) (10 Oct. 2016)

67

Peerage and ancestry

Crofton Arthur (www.thepeerage.com/p5343.htm#i53425) (3 Feb. 2016).

Crofton, Vice Admiral (www.cracoftspeerage.co.uk/online/content/crofton1798.htm) (26 Apr. 2016)

John Gorges (www.thepeerage.com/p44356) (8 June 2016)

Lloyd of Croghan (www.myfamilysilver.com/pages/crestfinder- crest.aspx?id-157409&name-=Lloyd) (9 Feb. 2016).

King, Robert (www.thepeerage.com/p11741.htm) (26 Apr. 2016).

King-Harman, Laurence (www.thepeerage.com/p11752.htm) (12 Jun. 2016).

King-Tenison, Henry Edwyn (www.thepeerage.com/p11746.htm) (26 Apr.

2016).

O’Kelly (www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~irlros/families/record.mht) (2 Feb. 2016).

Tenison family (lordbelmontnorthernireland.blogspot.ie/2014/05/Kilronan- castle.html) (1 Mar. 2016).

Biography of E. K. Tenison (www.luminous- lint,com/app/photographer/E_K_Tenison/A/) (18 Feb. 2016).

Thesis

Teresa Byrne, The burning of Kilboy House, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary, 2 August 1922 (http://eprints.maynoothuniversity.ie/5234/1/Teesa_Byrne_20140712094429. pdf) (7 June 2016).

68

General

Alfred the Great film (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0064000/fullcredits?ref_=tt_ov_st_sm) (12 Oct. 2016).

Chronology of the I.W.A.I. (www.iwai.ie/history-of-the-iwai/) (10 Oct. 2016).

Dictionary of Irish architects (www.dia.ie) (23 Feb. 2016).

Dublin Shipbuilders (lugnad.ie/shipbuilders-in-dublin-1840-1880/) (2 Feb. 2015)

th Evinrude 100 Anniversary (http://www.evinrude.com/Historical- Timeline/Index.htm) (18 Feb. 2016).

Forrest & Son (www.gracesguides.co.uk/forrestt & son) (17 Jan 2016).

Fuel shortages in Ireland (www.inarchive.com/pages/2011-10- 31/http://multitext.ucc.ie/d/Ireland_society_economy_1912-49) (28 Apr. 2016).

Hodson Bay (https://s-media-cache- ak0.pining/originals/26/19/93/26199343162ff80255ffa3a5b85a5b02.jpg) (6 Oct. 2016).

Hodson Bay (N.L.I. O DEA 6/55A)

Irish officers in the Royal Navy (www.agbfinebooks.com/publications/Irish/right%20frame.htm) (2 Feb.16)

Irish Waterways History (https://irishwaterwayshistory.com) (10 June 2016)

Irish archives resource (www.iar.ie/archive.shtml?IE%2OLDCA/P3) (14 Jan. 2016)

Irish officers in Royal Navy (www.agbfinebooks.com/publications/Irish/right%20frame.htm) (2 Feb. 2016)

69

James Spaight (http://clarelibrary.ie/eolas/coclare/geneology/don_tran/fam_his/scattery/179 5_1849.htm) (30 Nov. 2015)

Knockcroghery Station (www.eiretrains.com/photo_Gallery/Railway%20Stations%20K/Knockcrogh ery/Irish RailwayStations.html) (26 Apr. 2016)

Limerick death notices

(www.limerickcity.ie/library/localstudies/obituariesdeathnoticesetcfromtheli merickchronicle/alphabeticallistingsofobituariesdeathnoticesetc/w.pdf) (6 Mar. 2016)

Lloyd of Croghan (www.myfamilysilver.com/pages/crestfinder- crest.aspx?id-157407&name=Lloyd) (9 Feb. 2016).

Handcock family (www.irishfreemasonry.com/Athlone%20article.pdf) (16 Jan. 2016).

O’Kelly family (www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~irlos/families/record.mht) (2 Feb. 2016). Oldest yacht club (http://ycaol.com/internat.htm) (13 Jan. 2016).

Ordnance Survey Maps, 1840, (www.myplan.ie) (14 Feb 2016).

601079,939 792309,013 Ordnance Survey, Co. Roscommon, 1914 (map.geohive.ie/mapviewer.html) (12 May 2016).

Parliamentary Gazetter 1845 in (http://www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/coclare/places/killaloet1845.htm) (30 Nov. 2015).

Railways in Athlone (https:athlonehistory.ie/history-of-athlone) (4 May 2016).

River Shannon industries (www.heritagecouncil.ie/fileadmin/user_upload/publications/inlandwaterway s/wcs2004a/2004_industrial.pdf.) (12 Feb. 2016).

Rockingham (http://www.boyletoday.com/57-years-since-rockingham-fire/) (10 Oct. 2016)

70

Rockingham raid (http://theirishstory.com/2012/08/31/the-rockingham- raid/#.v_doCo8rLIU) (7 Oct. 2016).

Sailing on Lough Derg (www.tierneyhaines.com/sailing-on-lough-derg-1) (18 Feb. 2016).

Shepherd, Fred, (www.amokura.info/?p=1405) (26 Oct. 2015)

Speedboats, technical development of, (www.lesliefield.com/other_history/speed_boat_developments_from_the_pas t_into_the_future.htm) (28 Apr. 2016).

Tailteann Games (www.theirishstory.com/2011/02/23/the-tailteann-games- 1924-1936/#.VyHk.-nErLIU) (28 Apr. 2016)

Viking tours (http://www.vikingtoursireland.ie/index.php/destinations/lough- ree) (12 Oct. 2016)

Directories

Ecclesiastical Directory (www.askaboutireland.ie/gv4/thoms_viewer/thoms_show2.php?id=000904) (11 Feb 2016).

Griffith Valuation

Griffith Valuation, (www.askaboutireland.ie/griffith- valuation/index.xml?action-namesearch) (14 Feb. 2016).

Griffith Valuation (http://www.askaboutireland.ie/griffith- valuation/index.xml?action=doNameSearch&Submit.x=63&Submit.y=10&s ubmit=Submit&familyname=bennett&firstname=John&baronyname=&count yname=TIPPERARY%2C+NORTH+RIDING&unionname=NENAGH&pari shname=) (27 May 2016).

Griffith Valuation (http://www.askaboutireland.ie/griffith- valuation/index.xml?action=doNameSearch&Submit.x=44&Submit.y=8&Su bmit=Submit&familyname=galway&firstname=First+Name&baronyname=O RMOND%2C+LOWER&countyname=TIPPERARY%2C+NORTH+RIDIN G&unionname=NENAGH&parishname=KILLODIERNAN) (19 May 2016).

71

Land owners of Ireland (Co. Leitrim) 1876 (htttp://www.failteromhat.com/lo1876/leitrim.pdf) (13 Feb. 2016).

Land owners of Ireland (Co. Longford) 1876 (htttp://www.failteromhat.com/lo1876/longford.pdf) (13 Feb. 2016).

Land owners of Ireland (Co. Roscommon) 1876 (htttp://www.failteromhat.com/lo1876/roscommon.pdf) (8 Jun. 2016).

Land owners of Ireland (Co. Tipperary) 1876 (htttp://www.failteromhat.com/lo1876/tipperary.pdf) (8 Jun. 2016).

Land owners of Ireland (Co. Westmeath) 1876 (htttp://www.failteromhat.com/lo1876/westmeath.pdf) (8 Jun. 2016). http://www.askaboutireland.ie/griffith- valuation/index.xml?action=doNameSearch&Submit.x=37&Submit.y=14&S ubmit=Submit&familyname=Poe&firstname=James&baronyname=&county name=TIPPERARY%2C+NORTH+RIDING&unionname=NENAGH&paris hname=

National Inventory of Architectural Heritage. Co.s Clare, Galway Longford, Leitrim, Roscommon, Tipperary, Westmeath. (buildingsofireland.ie/#) (23 Feb. 2016).

Roscommon County Directory 1862, (www.Libraryireland.com/thom1862/roscommon.php) (13 Feb. 2016).

Thom’s Directory 1862, (griffiths.askaboutireland.ie/gv4/thoms_viewer/thoms_show2.php?id=502) (14 Feb 2016).

Thom’s Directory 1862, (griffiths.askaboutireland.ie/gv4/thoms/thoms_official _1862_great_britain_and_ireland_pg1165.pdf) (11 Feb 2016).

Thom’s Directory, Roscommon (www.libraryireland.com/Thom1862/Roscommon.php) (19 Feb. 2016)

72

Newspapers

Athlone Roscommon Independent and Leitrim Gazette

Athlone Times. Roscommon Journal.

Athlone Roscommon Herald

Sentinel. Roscommon Belfast Messenger.

Newsletter. Sunday Independent. Connaught Tipperary Advocate. Tribune. Tipperary Vindicator. Freeman's Westmeath Examiner. Journal. Westmeath Irish Examiner. Independent. Irish Wicklow Newsletter Independent. and Reporter. Irish Times

Leinster Express.

Leitrim Observer.

Limerick Chronicle.

Longford Journal.

Longford Leader.

Nenagh Guardian.

Nenagh News.

73

Interviews

Dr. Alf Delany, Clontarf, (various dates -2006).

Mr. Brian and Valerie Bond, ‘Mayne’s Lodge’, Portanure, Co, Longford (8 June 2016).

Mrs. Claudine Nelson-Handcock (Canada) (15 May 2015)

Mrs. Daphne Shackleton (nee. Levinge), ‘Mullagh’, Co. Cavan (27 Aug. 2010).

Mr. Jonathan Shackleton, Mullagh, Co. Cavan (9 Sept. 2016).

Mr. Gearoid O’Brien, Aidan Heavey Library Athlone (17 May 2016).

Mr. Hal Sisk, Dun Laoghaire (Chairman of Association of Yachting Historians) (4 Mar. 2016).

Mr. Harman Murtagh, Athlone, Co. Westmeath (8 Nov. 2015)

Mr. Jack Bayly, ‘Debsborough’, Co. Tipperary (8 Aug. 2015).

Mr. Jimmy Furey, ‘Mount Plunket’, Roscommon (20 Sept. 2015).

Mr. Jocelyn Sanders, ‘Garryduff’, Co. Tipperary (12 Oct. 2015).

Mr. John Lefroy, ‘M.Y. Phoenix’, Killaloe (4 Aug. 2015).

Mr. Jonathan Shackleton, ‘Mullagh’, Co. Cavan (27 Aug. 2010).

Miss Lola-Anne Milligan-Leech, ‘Abbey House’, Athlone, Co. Westmeath (8 Nov. 2015)

Dr. Philip Mayne, ‘Derrydarragh’, Co. Longford (20 Sept. 2015).

Mrs. Ruth Heard, Killiney, Co. Dublin. (25 Apr. 2016).

Prof. V. T. H. ‘Pompey’ Delany, Longford (c. 1960).

74

Printed Primary Sources.

Bulfin, William, Rambles in Eirinn (Dublin 1915).

C. J., The neglected wealth of Ireland explored, or, a plain view of the great national advantages which may be obtained by compleating the navigation of the Shannon: the uniting of other rivers to it, the working of mines, and, the establishment of various manufactures in the kingdom of ireland: with some observations on the means of carrying these plans into execution, and of removing every restriction on the trade and commerce of the Irish: upon the principles of national equity to Great Britain and her sister country (Dublin, 1778).

Curran, John Philpott, The monks of the screw (Dublin, 1779).

de Burgh, U. N. Hussey, The landowners of Ireland, an alphabetical list of all the owners of 500 acres or £3,500 valuation and upwards (Dublin, 1878).

Dooley, Terence, The big houses and landed estates of Ireland, a research guide (Dublin, 2007).

Fraser, James, Handbook for travellers in Ireland descriptive of its scenery, towns, seats, antiquities, etc. with all the railways now open, and various statistical tables (Dublin, 1859).

Heckstall-Smith, Brooke and Linton Hope (eds), Dixon Kemp's manual of yacht and boat sailing and yacht architecture (2 vols, London, 1913).

Lenehan Jim, Politics and society in Athlone, 1830-1885, a rotten borough (Dublin, 1999).

Lewis, Samuel, Topographical dictionary of Ireland (2 vols, London, 1837).

O’Donovan, John, Letters relating to the antiquities of Counties Cavan-Leitrim containing information collected during the progress of the Ordnance Survey in 1836 (Dublin, 1912).

Pritchett R. T., The Marquis of Dufferin, James McFerran, Rev. G.L. Blake, T. B. Middleton, Edward Walter Castle, Robert Castle, G. Christopher Davies, Lewis Herreshoff, Earl of

75

Onslow, H. Horn. Sir George Leach, The Badminton Library- Yachting (London, 1894).

Stokes, William, Pictorial survey and tourist guide to Lough Derg (Dublin, 1779) (N.L.I., JLB 9141)

Tindall, William Henry, Leonard C. Wakefield, Thomas B. Walker (eds), Lloyds register of British and foreign shipping- yacht register (London) published annually.

Thom's official directory of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland for the year 1900 (Dublin, 1900).

Wakeman, William Frederick, Three days on the Shannon from Limerick to Lough Key (Dublin, 1852).

SECONDARY SOURCES

Printed secondary sources

Bence-Jones Mark, Burkes guide to country houses, Vol 1, Ireland (Elmsford N.Y., 1978).

Bence-Jones Mark, Twilight of the ascendancy (London, 1987).

Cahill, Sean & Gearoid O’Brien & Jimmy Casey, Lough Ree and its Islands (Athlone, 2006).

Clare, Rev. Wallace, A young Irishman’s diary (1836-1847) being extracts from the early journal of John Keegan of Moate, edited with preface and notes. (March, 1928).

Clarke, Arthur H., History of yachting, 1600-1815 (New York, 1904).

Clarke, Peter, British clubs and societies 1580-1800: the origins of an associational world (Oxford, 2000).

Conmee, Very Rev. J.S, Old times in the barony (Blackrock, 1976).

76

Cooke, Jim, Joe Murphy, Ringsend boatbuilder and master shipwright, (Ringsend, 1989).

Coote, Susan & others (eds) Classic boats on Lough Derg, 1835-2008 (Nenagh, 2008).

Corlett, Christiaan, Jane W. Shackleton's Ireland (Cork, 2012).

Crowley, John, William J. Smyth and Mike Murphy (eds), Atlas of the great Irish famine (Cork, 2012).

Cunningham, Bernadette and Harman Murtagh, Lough Ree, historic lakeland settlement (Dublin, 2015). de Breffny Brian, and Rosemary ffolliott, 'Prior Park in parish of Killodiernan' in The houses of Ireland (London, 1975).

Delany, Ruth, Surging forward (Dublin, 1994).

Delany, Alfred and Vincent, The Water Wags 1887-2012 (Dun Laoghaire, 2012)

Delany, Ruth, The Shannon navigation (Dublin, 2008).

Delany, Ruth, By Shannon shores: an exploration of the river (Dublin, 1987).

Delany, Ruth, Surging forward, the Shannon one-design class (Dublin, 1994).

Delany, V. T. H. and D. R., The canals of the south of Ireland (Newton Abbot, 1996)

Dennehy, John, In a time of war: Tipperary 1914-1918 (Sallins, 2013).

Donelly, James S., The great Irish potato famine (Gloucestershire, 2001).

Dooley, Gerard, Nenagh, 1914-21, years of crisis (Dublin,2015).

Dooley, Terence, The Decline of the big House in Ireland (Dublin, 2001).

Dooley, Terence, The big houses and landed estates of Ireland: a research guide (Dublin, 2007).

Egan, Frank, Athlone's golden mile- bridging the gap (Athlone, 1980).

English, N. W., Lough Ree Yacht Club, 1770-1970, a memoir (Athlone, 1970).

77

Epstein, Ian and Carol Marks, Shannon Erne guide, the cruising enthusiasts guide (Dublin, undated).

Flynn, Seamus and James McMahon, If walls could talk, the story of the Limerick Athenium, since its founding in July 1856 (Limerick, 1996).

Friel, Frank, Roscommon County Council, 100 years of local government 1899- 1999 (Roscommon, 1999).

Fox-Davies, A. C. and M. E. B. Crooks, The book of public arms (Edinburgh, 1894).

Foy, Peter, A lifetime on Lough Ree (Kells, 2013).

Gearty, Sarah, Martin Morris and Fergus O’Farrell, Irish historic towns atlas No.22, Longford (Dublin, 1995).

Gill, Sean, Diane Greaves, Arthur Kellitt, David Meikle, Des Smith and Roger Taylor (eds) Carrick-on-Shannon past and present a pictorial record (Carrick-on- Shannon, 2002).

Gleeson, Peter, The Guardians book of Joe Daly's Nenagh (Nenagh, 2006).

Gleeson, Rev. John, History of the Ely O'Carroll Territory or ancient Ormond (2 vols, Kilkenny, 1982). Original 1915.

Goodbody, Reggie, Water, wind & wood, a memoir (Nenagh, 2015).

Goodbody, L. M., The Shannon One Design Class 1922-1972, a history (Private distribution, 1972).

Goodbody, L. M., and Ruth Delany, The Shannon one-design class, 1922-1999 (Ireland, 1999).

Grace, Daniel, Portrait of a Parish, Monsea & Killodiernan, County Tipperary. (Nenagh,1996). Griffin, Kevin M., & Kevin A., Ballina / Boher Parish (Ballina, 2000). Hayes, William J., Newport, Co. Tipperary- the town its courts and its gaols (Roscrea, undated).

78

Hemstead, Frank, A life in the flood plain of the River Shannon (Clonbonny, 1994).

Hogan, Sean, The Black and Tans in North Tipperary, policing, revolution and war, 1913-1922 (Dublin, 2013). Hunt, Tom, Sport and society in Victorian Ireland - the case of Westmeath (Cork, 2007). Johnson, Peter, Yacht rating- 170 years of speed, success and failure against competitors- and the clock (Lymington, 1997). Kearney, Mark, and Gearoid O'Brien (eds) Athlone bridging the centuries (Westmeath, 1991). Kelly,James, Sport in Ireland, 1600-1840 (Dublin. 2014). Lenehan, Jim, Politics and society in Athlone, 1830-1885, A rotton borough (Dublin, 1999). Levinge, R.D., Sportsman’s and tourist’s guide to the Shannon (Athlone, c. 1938). Mattimoe, Cyril, North Roscommon: it's people and its past (Boyle, 1992). Morris, Martin and Fergus O’Farrell, Longford History and Society, Interdisciplinary Essays on the history of an Irish County (Templeogue, 2010). Murtagh, Harman and Alan Algeo (eds), Lough Ree Yacht Club, Waterways Ireland classic boats regatta, 2007 (Athlone, 2007).

Murtagh, Harman, Irish historic towns atlas no. 6, Athlone (Dublin, 1994).

McNally, Errol F., Irish Yachting, 1720-1946 (Dublin, 1946).

Mulholland, Terry (ed.), A century of Fairy sailing on Lough Erne (Enniskillen, 2006).

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O'Brien, Gearoid, St. Mary's parish, Athlone (Longford, 1989).

O'Brien, Bridie, How we were- in the parish of Kilbarron-Terryglass, Co. Tipperary (Nenagh, 1999).

79

O'Brien, Donal, The houses and landed families of Westmeath (Athlone, 2014).

Power, Martin, Dear land, native place, Monsea and Dromineer: a history (Nenagh, 1998).

Rice H. J., Thanks for the memory, being personal reminiscences, traditions, history, and navigational details about the River Shannon (Athlone, 1952).

Schama, Chloe, Wild romance: the true story of a Victorian scandal (London, 2010).

Sisk, Hal, Dublin Bay, the cradle of yacht racing (Dublin, 2012).

Sheehan, Jeremiah, South Westmeath, farm and folk (Dublin, 1978).

Sheehan, Jeremiah, Westmeath, as others saw it (Moate, 1982).

St Leger, Alicia, A history of the Royal Cork Yacht Club (Cork, 2005).

Tubridy, Mary (ed.), The heritage of Clonmacnoise (Dublin & Offaly, 1987).

Vaughan, W. E., A new history of Ireland (2 vols, Oxford, 1996) i, Ireland 1870- 1921.

Waterways Ireland, A glimpse of Ireland's inland waterways (Enniskillen, undated).

Williams Jeremy, Architecture in Ireland, 1837-1921 (Dublin, 1994.)

Bulfin, William, Rambles in Eirinn, (Dublin, 1907).

Woulfe-Smyth, Capt. A., ‘Lough Ree Yacht Club’ in Athlone Civic Week

80

Brochure 1950 (Athlone, 1950).

81