Search Results for 'Royal Galway Yacht Club'

In 1872, SU Roberts, the Galway County Surveyor, wrote: “The lower lake empties its waters through a delta by three visible outlets: the natural and original shallow, tortuous and rocky Corrib River, navigable for only very small craft and row-boats on the west; the Mionloch Creek, a small stream, on the east and now nearly filled up; and through the boggy island covered with sedge between these two, by means of the “Friar’s Cut”, a canal of about three-quarters of a mile in length, fifty feet wide and twelve deep through the main stream passes. Besides these three streamways, there is a subterranean communication through the cavernous limestone, by means of ‘swallow holes’ near Tír Oileáin on the eastern shore which formerly carried off a large portion of the surplus waters of the lake, and discharged them into the sea near Oranmore”.

Rowing ‘matches’ or ‘badge races’ have been taking place on the Corrib for about 170 years. Initially, when there was only one club, The Corrib Rowing and Yachting Club, competitions were confined to members. Then the Commercial Boat Club was formed in 1875, and a meeting was held to promote a regatta at the river beside Menlo Castle. This regatta proved to be a success and was a great boost to the sport of rowing.

Our first illustration today is a drawing by MJ Tighe, architect, Galway, of the proposed new clubhouse for the Royal Galway Yacht Club at the corner of the Gaol River and the Eglinton Canal. The club was founded and received Royal Warrant in 1882. It was established as a social combination to promote sailing and rowing on the bay and lake, and the enjoyment of all the amenities of the Corrib Lake and River. They managed to survive and carry on for some years in difficult circumstances.

The Commercial Rowing Club was set up in May 1875. The Corrib Rowing and Yachting Club had been in existence since 1864, but as it was the only such club on the river, there was a distinct lack of competition for its oarsmen. Commercial provided that competition.

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