Iniscealtra Sailing Club Newsletter
Dear Members,
The sailing season is upon us again. Hopefully, you are completing your winter job list and checking out the rigging. Firstly, I would like to welcome the recently elected members to the committee: Sean Collins as Racing Captain, Hugh McGrath as Harbour Master, Paudie Humphries as Moorings Captain and we have two additional committee members, namely Gay Murphy and Mike Courtney. A full list of the committee and contacts is attached.
The committee has had its first meeting and plans have been developed for the coming months. There is a load to do. Hugh O’Neill has attached a harbour update and below is an outline of what else is in store.
Racing
Sean Collins has produced the Racing Calendar (see Diary of Events) for the Spring and Year.
We hope you are keen to join in the Spring racing. Derg Marine has again offered us very generous prizes as part of the Sponsorship, together with the magnificent trophy for the overall winner of the Series. Starts on Sunday April 2nd.
Membership Dues
We would like to remind members that annual subscription for Membership and Moorings is now due. We have enclosed an invoice for those that have not already paid.
Again, we are encouraging early payment in order to off-set our borrowing.
Fund-raising
While the committee will endeavour to hold spending to the minimum, we will need to ensure that the club facilities are upgraded and maintained to the standard that the club members require. The committee will therefore continue to look at options for fundraising to allow us to fund the repayments for the most recent and future developments.
The existing Monthly Club draw will continue to run until the Summer. The results of the draw will be announced during the April racing season while the final draws will be held at the end of Derg Spring series in May.
Cruising
As of yet, there is nothing penciled in, but given fair weather, Brendan Cahill hopes to arrange one or two cruising weekends around Lough Derg during the Summer. Of course, do not wait for Brendan to give the orders. If you are going for an overnight, just spread the word and have a cruise in company.
Because the Abbey River is closed, it is unlikely that many skippers are thinking of Sea-ventures. However, the option of using a low-loader from Killaloe to Limerick is being considered by one or two members. If a group of boats were to go together, it may reduce some expense. If you are interested, contact Fran McCarthy at 338213.
Spring Lecture Series
During February, we had another hugely successful lecture series thanks to Charlie MacDonnell and his helpers. The last night of the series was a social evening in the company of Tom McSweeney and RTE Seascapes. This was broadcast on March 9th and overall reaction was very good. The singing of Jack, Pat and friends was especially noticed so much so that it gained a replay on ‘Playback’. Well done to all who contributed!
Social
Keane’s Pub in Mountshannon has traditionally been our un-official clubhouse. However, during the past year or two, ISC has not been visiting as regularly as in the past. The committee suggests that members and event organisers consider returning to using Keane's as the ISC ‘Pub of choice’ so that sailors will have a central meeting place with a sailing connection.
Iniscealtra SC go On-Line ….
For those who are not aware, we now have very own Website!
Please try this out and let us know you think. If you have a yarn or a relevant article to share, let us know and we will add it in.
http://homepage.eircom.net/~icsc/
Many thanks to Fran McCarthy for setting this up.
Finally, wishing you safe and enjoyable sailing during 2000.
Mike Connolly
Click here to view the ISC Committee for year 2000
Club Harbour
The Spring is with us again. Its time to check out Mountshannon, and see how it faired out over the winter. Firstly, to see if our local friends are still in business, and then to check out the club harbour. Winter flooding has covered the mole, back as far as the slipway, but when it receded, everything seemed in good condition. The grass set by Peter MacNamara and Frank McCourty bound the surface of the mole and resisted the winter conditions. Spring-cleaning is the order of course, and I am sure our popular and energetic harbour master Hugh McGrath, has the situation under control.
Projects for the season will ensure that the Health and Safety Acts are complied with. The lighting will be upgraded before the season starts, and safety rails will be installed where necessary. We hope to fit a new jetty behind the large breakwater, to ensure there is room in the harbour for all club boats.
The most important project to be considered for this season, is the purchase and fitting of a container type service unit, which would consists of one ladies and gents toilet and shower, this unit would be manufactured in steel and have security shutters, and stands on stilts to be connected to the County Council services. These basic services would facilitate the members and would put the club in the market for future competitions etc..
Denis and Gay Murphy have a new stainless steel barbecue for the club and we are very grateful for it. A new cover for the barbecue should be considered so that the party keeps going.
Members are urged to enjoy the gem that we own on the banks of Lough Derg, in this beautiful part of Ireland. There is always something going on at Mountshannon even when it’s raining.
Hugh O’Neill