St. Michael’s Rowing Club Annual Regatta

The storied waters of Dún Laoghaire Harbour came alive with tradition, competition, and community spirit as the St. Michael’s Annual Regatta of Traditional Skiff Rowing returned on Wednesday, July 28.

This much-loved event welcomed rowing enthusiasts, families, and visitors to celebrate Ireland’s rich maritime heritage.

Organised by the local rowing club, the regatta featured traditional wooden skiffs – handcrafted, clinker-built boats designed for strength and endurance—racing at Seapoint in a series of exhilarating contests.

The regatta was held in challenging westerly winds, making the course difficult even for the most experienced crews.

Competitors aligned themselves for the start of the race, and rowed 700 metres to a turning buoy, before making a dash for the finish lines. Men’s categories completed the course twice, covering a total of 2,800 metres.

The event featured 107 crews that entered 19 races across a range of categories, including girls’ and boys’ youth crews (U12 to U18), novice and veteran races, and multiple adult divisions.

“This event is more than a race—it’s a tribute to our coastal roots,” said Jake Byrne, Captain of the St. Michael’s Rowing Club.

“Rowing skiffs have been part of Irish coastal life for generations, used by fishermen and harbour workers alike. This regatta helps preserve that tradition while bringing communities together in a fun and spirited way.”

The St. Michael’s Regatta is the seventh of nine regional events held annually between May and the August Bank Holiday as part of the East Coast rowing calendar.

Clubs from Balbriggan to Wicklow made the trip to Dun Laoghaire for what proved to be a hugely successful day of racing.

The event drew a large number of spectators and local supporters, who enjoyed excellent views of the races from the West Pier, including a number of local councillors from Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council who showed their support for the regatta and the preservation of the area’s maritime heritage.

“The club wishes to thank all the dlr County Council representatives”, said Rachel Coyle, Regatta Manager, “namely, Cllr. Lorraine Hall, Cllr. Thomas Joseph and Cllr. John Hurley, as well as Cllr.

Jim Gildea (pictured above), Cathaoirleach of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown and Minister Jennifer Carrol McNeill (also pictured above) for joining in during the day to support St.Michael’s Rowing Club.

“Their presence underscores the importance of community-led sporting events in enriching local life and fostering a deeper connection with the heritage of Dun Laoghaire Harbour and beyond.”

A word of thanks from the ST. Michael’s RC Fundraising Officer, David Cullen, goes to the regatta sponsors for their dedication and support: Acorn Garden Services, Bank of Ireland, O’Loughlins, Mercedes South Dublin, Noonans / Bidvest, Gibson Green, Kelly Veterinary Clinic, Design Group, Oisin Butler Ltd, The Graduate Pub and Rosata Recruitment.