River tour guide 'delighted' to be back to business

Veteran boatman's joy as he bids to save season following Covid-19

Tony Gallagher of Blackwater Cruises.

Following Covid-19’s abbreviation of the tourist season, Youghal sailor Tony Gallagher is “just delighted” to be celebrating his 20th year conducting river tours on the Blackwater.

It is a familiar sight on the river but the veteran guide, who “dearly loves” his work, said he feared for the season during the height of the pandemic.  He has quickly adapted following his return to the river, with the bulk of his passengers comprising Irish families and "very few foreign tourists", he said.