As a result of a number of years planning by some enterprising young men, a meeting took place in the hall of the Mechanics Institute on this day, May 15 1875, one hundred and fifty years ago with the purpose of forming Galway Commercial Rowing Club. The resolution was formally proposed and seconded and unanimously adopted. The subscription was fixed at £1 which included the entrance fee and the annual sub. The following committee was elected – Laurence Carr, J St George Joyce, Morgan Lee, Thomas O’Gorman, Thomas Hogan, Thomas Hayes McCoy, Y Kean, James Maher, B Roche and Patrick Bodkin. In addition, 62 members enrolled.
A wooden structure was built at the back of the Eglinton Pier. It was painted in the club colours of blue and white. Our first photograph was taken c1900 from Steamer’s Quay and shows a number of the members posing in their boats and on the quay. This was the clubhouse until 1938 when it burned down. Sadly, most of their records and old photographs were destroyed in the blaze. The present building was constructed shortly afterwards.
The sports of sailing and rowing in Galway benefitted greatly with the establishment of the club; both received a major boost as there were regular challenges organised between the yachtsmen and oarsmen of Commercial and Corrib Rowing and Yachting Club. A sailing race from the lake to Steamer’s Quay became a regular event though some boats often were becalmed passing the shelter of Menlo Woods and would have to be towed by motor boat or steamer. They occasionally organised a marathon sailing race from the first buoy opposite Steamer’s Quay to Cong and back again. They even held hooker races.
One of the club rules in 1880 was, “No gambling with cards or dice shall be permitted in the Club”. They were not too strict on this. Club life revolved around rowing and yachting. With the advent of the motor car and outboard engines, rowing for pleasure declined for some time. As time went on, regattas did not attract so many. Club boats were only taken out on fine days and gradually, greater emphasis was put on angling and facilities for anglers.
In its 150 years, Commercial Boat Club has produced individuals, teams and crews who have distinguished themselves in various sporting fields such as rowing, sailing, billiards, snooker, tennis, table tennis and angling.
Few have been as successful as their 1925 Maiden IV who were undefeated for the entire season. They raced all over the country and when they returned from their championship victory, there were lighting tar barrels all the way from the station to the Royal Hotel. The crew were carried shoulder high all the way to the clubhouse to deposit their trophies, medals and ribbons, and from there (still shoulder high ) to the Royal Hotel for the celebrations. The crew were, from the left: Leo Leonard, Larry Hynes, M Collins (cox ), Seán Turke and John Cahill.
Our third image is of the committee of the club in 1928. They are, seated: E Donnelly, Seán Broderick, Jimmy Pringle, J Carter and T Lydon. Standing are P O’Flaherty, J Cahill, C Browne, E Groarke, J Monaghan and Larry Hynes.
Today, the Commercial is still thriving and is full of societies. They offer diverse recreational facilities which, in addition to the above mentioned sports includes bowls, darts and pool. They have a very cosy bar which opens at 8.30 every evening where they host many parties and hooleys.
On this notable anniversary for the club, we wish them continued success. Go Maire Sibh an Dá Chéad!
