River set to come alight across three counties to mark summer solstice
Organisers want clubs, families and individuals to shine a light on or near the 120-mile river near dusk on June 21, across three counties.
Participants are encouraged to light their area with car or boat lights, lanterns, candles, torches or even bonfires. The aim is to create an aerial picture of various points on the “lit” river.
Boat owners are also invited to join a flotilla of boats travelling the river on the solstice evening.
The initiative “hopes to highlight the relevance and vibrancy of smaller communities — especially those not on the main tourism maps — in addition to bringing some economic benefit,” according to its instigator, Aidan Hallahan.
Having one day arrived at the Blackwater’s source in Kerry’s Mullaghareirk Mountains, Aidan decided to incorporate the river’s journey with former president Mary Robinson’s gesture of a burning candle in the Áras window to honour Ireland’s diaspora.
“ In Asia, placing lights on rivers is often done to remember deceased relatives and past generations, so there that kind of spiritual side to it too,” he explained.
“Events need to take place on or close to the river, without compromising safety,” he stresses.
The small boat flotilla will depart Cappoquin at 6pm and arrive, “where the river meets the sea,” in Youghal some three hours later for a celebration.
*Proposal forms are available at the ‘Light the Munster Blackwater River Facebook page. Inquiries can be made at ltmbr@live.ie or by phone on 087-6644734 (after 7pm).
