Draft:Killarney Regatta

The Killarney Regatta is an annual rowing event that takes place on Lough Leane in Killarney, Ireland since at least 1785. The regatta is traditionally held in June or July. Since the early 1920s, the regatta has been contested by six clubs from Killarney. The current location for the regatta is O'Mahony's Point, which is the site of Killarney Golf and Fishing Club. The regatta is organised by the Killarney Regatta Committee, formed by representatives from each of the six clubs.

History
The Killarney Regatta committee launched what it stated was the 236th installment of the series in 2024. Taking into account the years cancelled due to the COVID-19 restrictions in Ireland (2020-2021) and inclement weather (2023), the 236 year streak means that the regatta has been held since at least 1785. The 2019 regatta was billed as the 234th event.

Much of the regatta's early history is unclear, including its exact foundation date. It is believed that the first regatta was won by Commercials (then known as Drapers). These early regattas, organised by St. Brendan's who were then known as Lough Lein RC, were not identical to its current form in terms of venue nor competitors. Other clubs, which previously participated, include the local Royal Irish Constabulary and St. Mary's rowing clubs.

In the early 20th century, the regatta was held off Innisfallen Island, around 1.6 kilometres from the current location at Mahoney's Point. During this time period, Fossa Rowing Club competed under the name of Aghadoe.

In 1933, the Casey brothers won the Killarney Regatta's Salter's Cup for their third consecutive win. However, as there was no 1932 event, the regatta committee argued that the 1930, 1931, and 1933 victories did not constitute three consecutive victories which were required to keep the cup in perpetuity. In the end, despite the organisers offering IR£60 for the return of the cup, the winning crew declined the offer.

In 2013, crews travelled from Oxford University and Cambridge University to participate in the 228th regatta. The visiting crews were coxed by local oarsmen Mikey Joe Burns (Workmen) for Cambridge and Raymond Coffey (Fossa) for Oxford. The race was ultimately won by Muckross.

Clubs
The 2024 regatta is scheduled to be held on Sunday 30 June 2024 and due to be contested by six clubs:


 * Flesk Valley (navy)
 * Fossa (red)
 * Muckross (yellow)
 * Workmen (white/red)
 * St. Brendan's (green)
 * Commercials (light blue)

The boat
The boat used in the majority of race categories in the Killarney Regatta is the 'Killarney Six' boat. Originally designed and built by Salters in Oxford, England, these wooden boats have fixed seats and wooden oars.

Categories
The modern Killarney Regatta consists of traditional "Killarney Six" races and non-traditional "Celtic One" ICRF-style coastal race categories.