1895 Regatta

The annual Regatta held last weekend was a great success. This event has been increasing in popularity each year. chiefly due to the exertions and able management of the committee, and though it is invidious to mention any names, we cannot help expressing thanks to Mr. Henry A.K. Herbert and Major Hewson who acted as starters and to Mr. John McGillycuddy who performed the difficult task of secretary. The exertions of these gentlemen were ably assisted by the good discipline of the clubs and crews who competed.

The two principal events which attracted most

The two principal events which attracted most attention were: The Cup Race for six-oared after an exciting finish with the R.I.C.  crew who ought to have won had one of their men not 'caught a crab within 200 yards of the winning post, and the six oared race open to al comers.

'Old Boares' seemed to have a particular spite against this race, for the moment it was started his bellows seemed to have an extra hand put on but, notwithstanding, six boats started. The race was won by the Muckross professional crew in the Dolleen by over 20 lengths. During the race several accidents occurred, two of the boats were disabled and the crews were rescued by another R.I.C. boat. The result of the race judging by the popular feeling - must have given general satisfaction as both Mr. Herbert and the crews were heartily cheered from one end of Innisfallen to the other.

It was a pleasing feature of the day's entertainment to see so many country gentlemen mixing with the people and endeavouring to cater for their pleasure. The Hotel four-oared race was won by a new boat belonging to Mrs. McCowen, second being the Muckross Hotel boat the Emily whose boat as well as the Dolleen was steered by Mr. John Ross and too much praise cannot be given for his admirable piloting.

If any fault could be found with the Programme of the Regatta, it was the few races in which the professional boatmen of Killarney could compete for, whilst the club boats can in the professional races, the compete professionals have not the same privilege in the the club races, professionals would be at disadvantage, as they are all poor men who cannot afford to get boats built with a chance of success against the now fashionable club boats - in fact it may be remembered here that had it not been for the generosity of Mr . A. K Herbert who presented the racing gig Dolleen to the Muckross boatmen they would not have been able to put the £12 prize on this occasion to their credit.

Surely it would have been worth considering whether cups should not be competed for, more generally amongst the Rowing Clubs and the actual cash distributed for competitions amongst the professional boatmen.

The boats were built by local builders Messrs Morahan and Maybury and the extra strength of the latter's boat being apparent in the six-oared open race.