Cork Harbour Open Day in Cobh a great success

Cobh was centre stage for an array of top quality events for the annual Cork Harbour Open Day on Saturday 20th September.

Cobh was the perfect vantage point for the Air Sea Rescue display that simulated a fire on board a yacht and the rescuing and evacuation of a casualty by helicopter. Several Coastguard units, Crosshaven RNLI, Ballycotton Lifeboat and rescue helicopter 117 from Waterford all participated in the rescue drill.

As the rescue drill concluded over 100 children and their parents started crab fishing along the railings in the promenade. This free event was organised by Cobh Tourism and proved to be as popular as ever.

To add to the atmosphere Cobh Blues Club and special guests performed a two hour set on the Promenade bandstand to a very appreciative audience.

Further east marine historian Vincent McMahon guided a tour of 25 people at the Titanic Memorial Garden. Vincent outlined the story of the building of Titanic, its maiden voyage, its tragic sinking and how a memorial to Bruce Ismay now resides within the garden. Vincent also outlined the fascinating stories of ships that have an association with Cork Harbour including the Innisfallen, Aud, QE2, Sirius and Lusitania.

The Coastal Rowing Association Great Island Row also took place on the day with 15 teams setting off in an easterly direction from Cobh at approximately 2.30 pm for the 15 mile row. This is a charity fundraising event that has raised in excess of €150,000 over the past 24 years.

The Bryan J Ferry worked flat out all day bringing visitors to and from Spike Island, while the Cork Waterbus free harbour tours were also exceptionally popular.

Other events that took place around the harbour included access to the National Maritime College of Ireland in Ringaskiddy, an historical tour of the old Blackrock to Passage West Railway Line, a raft race along the city quays, re-enactments at Fort Camden and free tours of the LE Roisin, berthed at Horgan’s Quay.