Limerick welcomes it's largest ever flotilla of boats

The largest ever flotilla of boats to visit Limerick sailed into the city’s marina last weekend (1st July) as part of the inaugural Inland Waterways Association of Ireland (IWAI) Limerick/Shannon Estuary Rally.

Over 40 boats from around the country are taking part in the event. To welcome the IWAI rally participants to Limerick and mark the auspicious occasion, a special reception, hosted by Shannon Development and attended by the newly elected Mayor of Limerick Cllr Gerry McLoughlin, was held for them at the Hunt Museum on Monday 2nd July. 

Welcoming the group the Mayor said:

"Travelling intoLimerickcity by boat is a stunningly beautiful experience. The Shannon is without doubt our greatest natural asset and with recent dredging works completed, I would like to invite boaters who haven’t attempted cruising toLimerickbefore to now do so.  It’s wonderful to see so much boating activity taking place and I would like to offer the warmest ofLimerickwelcomes to all visitors over the coming days. May you enjoy your visit to this ancient and historic city and my hope is that this will become the first of many rallies that will take place inLimerickin the years ahead.”

Highlighting the importance of the event Dr.Vincent Cunnane, Chief Executive, Shannon Development said:

"This is the largest fleet of boats to have ever visited us and it is wonderful to see ourLimerickmarina, and all of our city berths, teaming with boats. It will fill Limerick Marina complex for two consecutive weekends and provide opportunities for participants to experience our city and county’s visitor attractions, culture, music and excellent range of shops. Events like this are really puttingLimerickRiversideCityon the map and we are delighted to sponsor a welcome event for the 200 participants.”

Dr. Cunnane commended the work carried out by Waterways Ireland on completing the dredging and renovation works on the River which have enable the Rally to take place. While a smaller flotilla visitedLimerickin May 2012 to coincide with Limerick Riverfest, this is the largest boating flotilla to-date.

Speaking about their experience Noel Griffin from the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland said:

"Our members are thoroughly enjoying their stay in Limerick and the warm welcome they are receiving from everyone has really impressed them and I am sure this will be the first of many more visits to Limerick. We got a great response to our open day on Sunday which gave locals an opportunity to meet the crews and have a look at our boats."

The IWAI Rally continues on to Foynes and Kilrush and participants return to Limerick for a weekend of celebrations starting on Saturday 7th July.

For further information please contact:

Nandi O’Sullivan, Corporate Communications Manager, Shannon Development, Tel: 061-710259/086-2371510, Email: osullivanna@shannondevelopment.ie