Apr 2010 Updates
Three German officers didn’t cross the Rine, which is a river in County Clare, flowing into the estuary of the River Fergus which, in turn, joins the estuary of the River Shannon. The Rine is also known as the Quin and the Ardsollus and its downstream end is called Latoon Creek, no doubt because it flows by the townlands of Latoon North (which is to the east) and Latoon South (to the west). There is a quay there, hidden under one of the three road-bridges that cross the Latoon side by side. Sea-manure (seaweed used for fertiliser) was landed there and Samuel Lewis tells us that fifty-ton lighters were used, but more information is needed about their operations. See IWH Quay of Latoon
The Agenda and Booking form for the Heritage Council’s conference on Working Together Better for the Shannon is on the website here HC Conference April 2010
The travel writer and avid rambler John Mulligan, will be walking from Ringsend to Shannon Harbour, to raise money for the Dublin Simon Community. HBA boats and members will be on hand in Ringsend, Tullamore and Shannon Harbour for the event. See Grand for the Grand
The Central Fisheries Board has alerted us to some upcoming forums to take place on April 27th and 28th. See Alert from Caisie
It was a great Easter in Eden Many thanks to all those involved in the organisation and the lock keepers who assisted us through the locks there and back.
The Barrow, Dublin, Kildare & Slaney Branches of the IWAI hosted a Small Boat Rally to Pollardstown Fen on Sunday 11th April. A great day out at Pollardstown Fen
The Dublin Branch of the IWAI and Friends of the Grand Canal clean up the bank in Dublin IT Grand Canal Clean Up and IT Grand Canal Clean-Up II
Horses and canals on the English waterways from 1760 to 1960 and the skills required to manage the towing process are featured in this piece CJ Horsedrawn Craft CJ Maintenance Boats has photos of dredgers and icebreakers.
Here’s a link to a hire company that’s a little different; for lovers of stylish old wooden boats who want a change of scenery Commodore Motor Cruising Postcards of various wooden boats at Hickling Broad including Glare of Light in 1960s
Some of the HBA Fleet are now in Dublin, while others will be catching up over the next couple of weeks. Photos of the trip can be seen here Leinster Mills to Hazelhatch and Journey to Dublin
Tickets are still available for these performances when the HBA is in GCD and when IWAI’s Dublin Rally is taking place. Disney Live at Grand Canal Theatre Randy Newman at Grand Canal Theatre Ray Davies at Grand Canal Theatre Don McLean at Grand Canal Theatre Whistle down the Wind at Grand Canal Theatre
Read about the Shannon Rally and a first trip on Lough Derg in the IT An Irishmans Diary
Easter in Eden and the small Boat Rally to the Fens are described here GB Edenderry & Pollardstown
Women on dragon boats see Plurabelle Paddlers in GCD
When going through the 12th Lock on Friday Apr 16th, Damien Maddock took many fine photos of the proceedings. See a selection here Damien Maddock Photos and his website at www.dmphotography.ie
The fleet’s journey into Dublin from the 12th Lock is referred to on RTE1 Seascapes see Podcast Friday 23rd April 2010.
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