1894 Regatta

Regatta Committee Meeting
There follows a report of an 1893 Regatta committee meeting. which was held on Monday. June 11th in the Town Hall at 1.00 p.m.

'Among those present were: J. McGillycuddy, J.P., Hon. Sec..A.J. McDermott. R.M., G.R. Rutledge, D.I.R.I.C.. M. Leonard, J.P., Walter Butler. T.T.. P.D. Foley, J. O'Leary, P.C. Downing. T.J. Brooks, Charles Meagher, F. O'Callaghan, Head Constable Carty, Sergeant Morrison. Constable Cross and Neilly. etc.

The Chairman stated that he would. with great pleasure, contribute his usual subscription and place the Island of Innisfallen at the disposal of the Committee.

Mr. McGillycuddy stated that the regatta last year (1893). though being held on a windy day, was. as they all felt. quite a success. Financially they were pretty much in the same position as they were last vear. The amount received was £90.17s.10d. and the amount expended £90.7s.10d, which leaves a small balance in their favour, and he would wish it had been a larger one. £60 was given in prizes, and £24.2s for a band. Getting down a band was necessarily very expensive, but he thought there would not be much pleasure at a regatta without a band. This year it was intended to have four-oared races run in four-oared boats, and not in six-oared boats as hitherto Last year it was thought that crews from Killorglin and Kenmare clubs would compete. He was sure that everybody would only be too glad that they had come. He hoped that they would, and if they took away some of the prizes no one would be sorry for it. He would ask to have a smaller committee than heretofore elected. Last year they had fifteen on the committee, and most of them could not find time to attend. They would act wisely in appointing a committee outside the officials because this number could work more harmoniously together.

The meeting approved of Mr. McGillycuddy's suggestion.

The following committee was elected: Messrs W. Butler. T.J. Brooks. H. Herbert (Chairman). M. O'Sullivan, T.T. O'Connor T.T. Curtayne, G.B. Rutledge and P.C Downing.

The Earl of Kenmare was re-elected Chairman of the committee; Mr. W.L. Burke and Dr Hickson were re-elected Treasurers: Mr. McGillgcuddy was re-elected Hon. Sec. The 31st of July was the date fixed for the holding of the regatta. A subscription list was then opened and £38 was promised, the Chairman having headed the list with £10. A word of thanks to Lord Kenmare, to which his Lordship suitably responded, brought the meeting to a close.


'Report from 'Kerry Evening Post' Sat 11th August 1894.

Today the Grand Annual Killarney Regatta came off on the far famed Lakes of Killarney under weather which even though it was altogether fine was brisk and lively for aquatic sports.

The Killarney Regatta holds second place of importance to that of the Killarney Annual Steeplechases and it sends buzz of pleasurable excitement through this little town that is plainly manifested in the gaiety of the large crowds of people who meet annually at Sweet Innisfallen' immortalised by Thomas Moore. This year's Regatta was the best which has taken place on the Lakes of Killarney recent years.

It was a red letter day in sporting circles in the little Kingdom of Kerry and was of such vital importance to the several crews who took part in the events that it in no small degree squashed the monotony which hangs over 'Beauty's Home` to such an irreparable extent that the majestic mountains, which watch like sentinels over the waters of the Lakes, have refused to send back an echo for some weeks. It is surmised that the several contests of today will be brought to a final conclusion when the various challenges that invariably follow a regatta will be decided

The early part of the morning was dark and threatening but as the day advanced the weather brightened up and only a few occasional showers fell which could not, in the least, damp the ardour of those who were taking part in the various events.

The greatest enthusiasm prevailed amongst all and not a single hitch occurred to mar the enjoyment of everybody.

At the east side of Innisfallen Island a raft was anchored and from this raft Mr. A.K. Herbert sent off and announced the winners.

The course lay along the east side of the island half a mile beyond the southern point of which a buoy was rounded. The course then ran parallel to the Tomies Mountains and a second buoy having been rounded the boats ran along by the side of Ross Island homeward bound again to Innisfallen where the firing of a rifle announced the winner. The Band of the Durham Light Infantry discoursed a choice selection of music during the day.

Few bands visiting Killarney have given such general satisfaction and to Captain John McGillycuddy the credit is due for selecting such an admirable band which lent an important degree of attraction to the Regatta that it insured its success. Too much cannot be said of the admirable effort of Captain McGillycuddy to make the Killarney Regatta what it was this year.

The Aghadoe Boat Club. formed by Captain McGillycuddy, met with some brilliant success taking several events and the wild cheers of enthusiasm sent up for the crews of this club as they dashed home past the iudge. victorious, plainlv showed the popularity in which this club is held through Captain McGillycuddy's connection with it.

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There were eleven events on the programme, but three of them fell through and the races, as numbered on the cards. got somewhat mixed up. This could not be avoided and the admirable manner in which everything was conducted from start to finish gave unbounded satisfaction to everyone who witnessed and took part in the Regatta.

The gathering on the Island was very large and  was not alone representative of Kerry but international in every sense of the word, as tourists from many lands and climates were amongst those on the Island and watched with much interest the several events contested in a manner and style which, in no small degree, reflected credit on the manhood of the Celt. The powerful, symmetrical forms of the several crews were displayed to advantage in their tight fitting jerseys and few countries could boast of a more splendid body of men than those who took part in the Killarney Regatta of 1894.

The racing was of the first order and the boats that competed from several clubs were built in a style and finish which has brought this Regatta to the front in aquatic sports and the keen competition for success in future years will make the Lakes of Killarney Regatta second to none in Ireland.

The six-oared club race was won by Aghadoe B.C. with Lough Lein second and the R.I.C. third.