The community of model boat makers that meets at Cork’s Atlantic Pond

Every Sunday morning, model boats take to the water on Cork’s Atlantic Pond. Donal O’Keeffe meets members of the Atlantic Model Boat Group.

Members of the Atlantic Model Boat Group with some of their model boats and trucks before their sail at the Atlantic Pond, Cork, (front) Donal Dinan (left) and Eoin O'Mahony with (back from left) Stephen Dawes, Jerry O'Sullivan, William Kelleher, Brendan Buckley and Michael Murray. Pictures: Denis Minihane.

The winter sun is shining wanly on the Atlantic Pond, and the morning is cool enough this Sunday down on Cork’s Marina, where model boats bob on the water and walkers stop for a look.

The rain has held off, and it feels as though half of Cork is out for a stroll in the shadow of Páirc Uí Chaoimh, young and old, some arm-in-arm, some holding hands, some walking dogs, or navigating prams or strollers, a steady stream of humanity in winter coats and bobble hats.