Regatta is set to make a big splash

MORE than 20,000 people are expected to converge on a harbour town in Cork for Ireland’s oldest regatta, generating more than €1 million for local businesses.

Kinsale Regatta, which is more than 200 years old, will kick off on Thursday, July 31, with an extensive programme of events for all ages.

The Beamish & Crawford-sponsored festival will open with the French game of boules at the town park in the evening, and there will be special appearances by You’re A Star competitor Sarah Brophy and local Special Olympians Sinead O’Brien and Noreen McCarthy.

Open air concerts and road races follow on the Friday, with sails making their first appearance on the Saturday during a yacht race from Crosshaven to Kinsale.

On Sunday, August 3, the Yawl Rowing Regatta will take place, followed by band recitals, fancy dress parades, busking and open air concerts.

Ted McNamara, regatta vice chairman, said: “It’s the longest festival we’ve ever planned. One of the biggest events will be on Saturday, August 9, when we have a children’s regatta at Sandycove which will feature canoes, kayaks and swimming.”

The festival will run until Sunday, August 10, and among the other events planned are set dancing, tae-kwon-do displays, motorcycle racing, an emigrants’ welcome home party and Tops Of The Town.

For the first time ever the Naval Service is entering a team in the rowing competition, and the Courtmacsherry lifeboat will visit the harbour.

The organisers said there will also be a sea rescue demonstration organised by the Irish Coastguard Unit.