1888 Regatta

The annual Killarney Regatta was held on Innisfallen on Friday 10th August 1888 under the ideal weather conditions and was witnessed by a large crowd including a number of tourists.

The local Brass Band was placed in an eminent position on the island overhanging the shores of the Lake and three marquees were provided by the local publicans.

A wharf containing some members of the committee and their friends was anchored outside of Innisfallen pier, Mr. Hewson acted as judge and Mr. Kerry Collins as starter. The Lake and mountain scenery looked to much advantage and the Lower Lake was thronged with well filled boats.

One sad feature of the occasion was that a number of local business people and public representatives absented themselves from the Regatta committee and there also appeared to be a certain amount of ill feeling between the members of the Regatta and Race Committees in 1888 but little information is available of such ill feelings.

Otherwise the Regatta went off without a hitch and the nine events on the programme were completed in good time. The principal event, and the one which attracted most interest, was the race between Muckross and Victoria Hotels for the Silver Cup and a £10 cash prize which has been won periodically by the crews of both hotels. The course was three and a half miles long, from Innisfallen Quay to Glena and back in parallel with Tomies mountain shore. Amid much excitement the race was won by the Victoria Hotel. 

The artisans race in which the Plasterers, Bakers and Drapers competed was won by the latter. A cup presented by a gentleman sojourning at the Victoria Hotel, named Mr. Winter, was competed for by mixed four-oar crews and was won by the boat steered by Mr. James Looney The days entertainment was concluded before 7 p.m.