Haughey's family keep up regatta links

Members of Charles Haughey’s family will travel to the Dingle Regatta this weekend to continue the former Taoiseach’s close links with the boating event.

The ex-Fianna Fáil leader, who died last year, was invited to open the races every year from the 1970s until his last attendance in 2003.

Local fishermen erected a bronze bust in his memory in 2005 to mark his contribution to the development of Dingle Harbour.

Mr Haughey’s widow Maureen is due to attend the Regatta races on Sunday when her eldest son Conor will officially start the main races.

“Mr Haughey will fire the starter gun and later present the prizes to the race winners in the evening,” said Regatta spokeswoman Karen Heidtke.

Junior boating races take place on Saturday while the senior men’s and women’s events get under way on Sunday.

Mr Haughey’s famous yacht, Celtic Mist, is currently moored in Dingle Harbour and being used by family and friends.

Mr Haughey donned a mariner’s cap every year to launch the Regatta with a shotgun from a boat in the Harbour.

He visited the area frequently while staying on his Inishvickillane island in the Blaskets.

Organisers of the Regatta were often criticised for their association with Mr Haughey as damaging revelations emerged about his financial affairs in the 1990s.

The Committee is hoping for good weather for the event, which is an annual celebration of the skill and expertise of local boatmen.

The attraction has been running every year for more than a century and is expected to draw hundreds of locals and tourists.