Corbally Regatta 1950's

During the era of the Abbeymen many Regatta's were held at different venues and poling was the main attraction. Keen rivalry, excitement, thrills, spills and much more made for simple enjoyment.

After the Abbeymen ceased operations in the late 1930's, regatta's were only sporadic events and poling a boat nearly faded into oblivion. The brocauns were disappearing from the rapids of Corbally, Plassy, Doonass and Castleconnell.

One remembers the Strand, Curraghgower, Abbey and Plassy regatta's of the 1930's in which the prizes were much needed hard cash. A revival of these regatta's took place in Corbally at 2.30 p.m. Sunday, 8th June, 1952 in which amateur status for trophies was introduced.

PRIZE WINNERS AND SPECTATORS CORBALLY REGATTA 1953. From left: Susan Kinsella, Larry Kinsella, Johnny Delahunty, Martin Hogan, Pat Lysaght, Fergie Collins, Connie Kerley, Greg Clancy, Joe O'Shaughnessy, Densie Cowhey, Joxer O"Shaughnessy, Peter Fagan, Larry Devaney, Willie Duhig, Nay Lysaght, Jimmy Duhig, Johnny Hogan, ? O'Brien, Mrs. Hogan, Joe Gilligan, Matt O'Brien Florency O'Mahony, Donal Lysaght, Arthur Lysaght, Austin Sheehy, Teddy Murphy, Monica Byrnes, Terry Gillilgan, Mrs. Frahill, Mrs. Gilligan, Mrs.Collins, Kevin O'Reilly, Mikey Collins, Theresa O'Shaughnessy, Mr. & Mrs. Pat Hogan, Michael Hogan, Gerry Hogan, Joan Hogan, Ann Lysaght, Helen Gilligan, Liam Gilligan.

PRIZEWINNERS AND SPECTATORS, CORBALLY REGATTA 1953. Front Row: Dom Sheehan, Joxer O'Shaughnessy, Densie Cowhey, Martin Hogan, Nay Lysaght. Others: Mick Hayes, Paddy Gallagher, Cyril Kiely, Joe Hayes, Jimmy Duhig, Bob Kinsella, Willie Duhig, Willie Woodland. (Photo courtesy of Mary Gilligan, Chicago,U.S.A.)

POLING

 Poling is a very skilful and spectacular method of propelling a boat over rapids, shallows and fast currents. This method was practiced for centuries by the Abbey Fishermen in their brocauns. The brocaun is a flat bottomed boat similar to the angling cot seen here in the photos.

Before the Shannon Scheme, the Shannon from O'Brien's Bridge downstream was in its glory, poling was a test of skill and strength, but the Shannon in an angry mood deterred even the Abbeymen.

Poling in the past was performed by two men only, but when it was introduced as a sport a third man was included.

The pole used was approx. 11ft. long and 2.5 inches in diameter, it was made of ash and at each end, to strengthen the pole it had an iron ferrule.

SENIOR ANGLING COT RACE - CORBALLY REGATTA 1953

PRIZEWINNERS AND SPECTATORS CORBALLY REGATTA 1954. From left: Joan Hogan, Greg Clancy, William (Nay) Lysaght, John O'Reilly, Joe Hayes, Pat Kirwin, Fra Hayes, Tommy Cross, Jimmy Duhig, Willie Duhig, Gerard Hogan, Matt O'Brien Jnr., Aine Cross, Ald. Ted Russell, Cyril Kiely, Austin Graham, Bob Kinsella, Hughie Flannery, Willie Woodland, Denis O'Shaughnessy, Martin Hogan, Tom Moloney, Dermot (Kokie) McNamara, Mick Hayes, Sean Kennedy, Freddie Bromell, Joe McNamara, Joxer O'Shaughnessy, Michael (Mikey Joe) Collins and Spot, Matt O'Brien.

Corbally Regatta Programme.

REGATTA BOATS

The boats are at their moorings,

With the tide's flow they sway;

They've played hard on the river

And earned their rest to-day.

I mind how they gather closely,

As a group of old friends meet;

They've met in friendly rivalry

And given us a treat

And I fancy they're conversing

As they move to and fro;

Are they talking about people

As the last spectators go?

Well might they speak of harsh Hell's Gate,

Ascent of Curraghgower Fall;

The pole that jammed below the cot,

The tud against the wall.

Some show the signs of battles fought

Along the riverside;

In triumph or in failure,

They show their scars with pride.

                                   By Arthur Lysaght. 

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