The flotilla lands at the pier
The largest flotilla of boats seen in many years arrived at a sun drenched Mountcharles Pier last Sunday for the annual RNLI Blessing of Boats.
In perfect conditions, crews of six rowing clubs left Donegal Town along with the Waterbus at 2.30pm. More boats joined en route resulting in a spectacular vista of vessels sailing through the Hassans bows pointed to a paced pier on the horizon.
Mayor Patricia Callaghan with Paul O Sullivan ( RNLI), Eamon Brogan & Daniel Ward (Waterbus) Jackie Irwin (RNLI) John McGroary (Donegal Coastal Rowing Association) Deborah Bonner ( Donegal Town Rowing Club)
The honour of arriving first was given to Michael McGroarty and crew from the Mounthcrles Rowing club who along with Martin O Boyle completed a recent row from Arranmore to Mountcharles.
The Bundoran lifeboat and crew paid a courtesy call and were afforded great respect appreciation from the crews and members of the public.
Fr. Shane Gallagher and Rev Ruth West performed the Blessing and shortly after, the flotilla left for Inver providing onlookers along the Doorin line a magnificent view of vessels in the water below. The party continued and went on well into late evening in perfect sunshine.
The RNLI are indebted to the South Donegal Coastal Rowing Association for organising the flotilla, to Patrick McCallig and Sean Blain (food), to Rev. Ruth West and Fr. Shane Gallagher (Blessing), the McInaw family (parking), Garda Jim Connolly (traffic control) Waterbus (support and co-operation) Glebe Builders (cherry picker)
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