This weekend everyone around Skibbereen is justifiably proud of the achievement of Paul O’Donovan, Fintan McCarthy and their coach Dominic Casey in winning another Olympic Gold. That is not to forget the other two rowers from Skibbereen, Aoife Casey and Emily Hegarty, who represented their country with such distinction at the Paris games.
Of course, this group of athletes are not the first from Skibbereen to represent Ireland at the Olympic Games and we look forward with confidence that they will not be the last to do so. However, as a historical society our job is not to ponder the future, but to recall the past. The origin of the current success of local rowing lies with the Skibbereen Rowing Club, which was founded in 1970. But that date is by no means the beginning of the story of rowing on the Ilen River. Its history goes back much further as can be seen in an article, reprinted below, from the Skibbereen Eagle newspaper of 19 July 1872. It shows us that the love of rowing in Skibbereen runs deep.
Boat-Race on the Ilen
A race having been arranged to take place on Monday evening between Mr H. E. Nicholls’ boat “The Mocking Bird” and Mr R. Evans’ “Queen’s Visitor”, several wagers were laid, as well as the main one, on the result. There was considerable discussion on the merits of the boats and their respective crews for some days previous. The tide was a spring one, and the body of water in the Long Reach, viewed from the Steam Mill Bridge, presented a truly pleasing aspect to the vast crowd of spectators assembled thereon, and along the banks of the river, to witness the start from below the bridge. The course went from there around the island, situate between Weston and the Abbey Cottage, and back to the bridge, a distance of 3½miles. A stiff head breeze blew as the boats started. “Queen’s Visitor” led at the start, the helmsman, however hugged the shore too closely, the oars coming in contact with the bank, when the crew of “The Mocking Bird” put on a spurt and took the lead, keeping about a boat’s length in advance during the whole course, to within about 200 yards of the bridge, when they again put on a beautiful spurt and won by about three lengths. Both crews acquitted themselves admirably, as seldom has so well contested a rowing match being witnessed. Many came from a distance to witness the race, during which great excitement prevailed – bets at odds being offered on the losing boat. The local band re-organised under the care of the Rev. D. McCartie, R.C.C., (ever anxious to promote a helpful and intellectual recreation for the rising generation), were afloat, and played some choice airs, with excellent taste in harmony, under the efficient leadership are Mr William Casey. After the race was over numbers remained on the Bridge-street Quay to enjoy the sweets strains as they floated harmoniously along the rippled surface of the Ilen. It is said that another contest between these crews will shortly take place. The race on Monday proved a great treat to all classes who love aquatic sports – of which Skibbereen folk are passionately fond. The Ilen at high water is well suited for a rowing match – its scenery being beautiful and attractive.
