The Shanahan Cup is set to return in an enlarged format for the 2024/25 winter season. The event, organised by Gonzaga College and the INSS and sponsored by the Shanahan family, is a team racing series open to all schools in the Dublin area.
Last year, twelve schools participated in three one-day events. For the coming season, the series has been expanded to four one-day events, with an earlier start date soon after the commencement of the school year. This will hopefully ensure that the competitors sail in warmer weather and avoid, as far as possible, the frigid days of early spring.
“The Shanahan Cup is all about friendly inclusive competition” said Fiachra Etchingham of Gonzaga College. “Students of all ages and abilities are encouraged to participate. The winners will inevitably be great sailors who have developed their skills through training, but we encourage less skilled students not to be put off by the level of competition. We are very flexible on the makeup of teams, allowing schools to combine and change crews to maximise participation. Irrespective of the result, the aim is that all participants represent their schools to the best of their ability, have fun and make friends”.
The organisers try and work with the schools’ calendar to minimise conflict with other sports or academic events and so the precise dates will not be set until later in the year. However, it is intended to hold the first event in September and to complete much of the competition before Christmas.
“Gonzaga College is very grateful for the involvement of the INSS in this event” said Etchingham. “The highly professional staff ensure that each event runs smoothly and efficiently and so facilitates the growth of schools’ team racing”.
