Rowing boats worth €32k used as fuel for bonfire

SIX competition rowing boats worth a total of €32,000 were used as firewood on a Good Friday bonfire by a group of youths drinking by the River Lee.

Sergeant Alex Butler described yesterday how this occurred at the National Rowing Centre in Farran, Co Cork. One of the accused, Eric Holmes, aged 22, of Ballineastig, Farran, Co Cork, pleaded guilty at Cork Circuit Criminal Court to his part in the arson.

Sgt Butler said a group of youths congregated in the woods and lit a bonfire where they were drinking on Good Friday of April 10, 2009, and into the early hours of the morning.

A national rowing event had been taking place and there were a number of boats on the embankment.

Sgt Butler said that during the course of the bonfire they pulled six single-scull carbon fibre boats up to where they were drinking and threw them on to the bonfire. The only visible remains of the boats after the fire were the frames and the metal oar-locks.

Defence barrister Rachel O’Flynn said on behalf of the defendant: “He is hugely remorseful for this wanton thuggery and vandalism.”

Judge Patrick J Moran asked if there was any compensation from the defendant. Ms O’Flynn said the defendant was unemployed and had brought €100 to court.

Judge Moran put sentencing back until February 24 and said: “I am of the view that, if young men want to go out and have these kind of parties, they have to face some consequences.”