Tom MacSweeney
Tom MacSweeney writes a column for Afloat.ie. He is former RTE Marine Correspondent/Presenter of Seascapes and now has a monthly Podcast on the Community Radio Network and Podcast services
“I must go down to the sea again….” The opening words of John Masefield’s renowned seafaring poem ‘Sea Fever,’ which was the Reflection on the funeral Mass Card for Ted Crosbie…evoking memories of his passion for sailing. That was, perhaps,…
A collaboration between Galway Bay Boat Tours, Galway Hooker Sailing Club and Galway Bay Seafoods, this will celebrate Galway’s maritime culture on October 21/22/23, a 3-day event in Galway’s Docklands, the harbour, the commercial Docks, Claddagh and along the seashore.…
Serious Situation for Irish Fishing Fleet Reported by State Fisheries Board
28th September 2022 Fishing
Bord Iascaigh Mhara has confirmed the serious economic situation for the Irish fishing industry. In its annual report, the State fisheries board says there will be a decrease in landings, revenue and profitability. It says, "In the long-term, decommissioning will…
Fishing Industry Organisations Angry at Another 'Refusal of Help' by Marine Minister
26th September 2022 Fishing
Fishing industry representatives say they are confounded and disappointed by the Government’s repeated refusal to draw down EU fuel aid. They met with the Minister for the Marine on Friday and urged him to secure the existing EU aid to…
Cork Port Company has formally opened its €89m deepwater container terminal at Ringaskiddy with an announcement that it is formulating a development plan for the harbour up to 2050. The new terminal is described as "the largest single investment in…
Ireland's solo sailor in the Golden Globe Race, Pat Lawless, passed Lanzarote at 1330 (1.30 p.m.) Irish time on Saturday afternoon. Green Rebel was sailing briskly, with two jibs and a full main, making a speed of 6.3 knots on…
The West Coast of Ireland is the first place in the world where the annual reproductive behaviour of basking sharks has been seen. “It is astonishing that this wonder of the natural world has remained hidden for so long,” according…
Giving the Oceans Rights Through The Ocean Race - Marine Biologist Lucy Hunt
15th September 2022 Tom MacSweeney
There is no greater community to understand the changes in the oceans and what needs to be done to protect them than sailors. From those like myself, a leisure sailor, to fishermen, to marine scientists, to the professional seafarers, greater…
The Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation (KFO) has called for immediate political action to alleviate the soaring cost of fuel which has many fishermen on the brink and is causing untold hardship and anxiety for the industry. Chief Executive, Seán O’Donoghue said…
Cobh to Blackrock Race Yachts Flew Spinnakers from Start to Finish (Photo Gallery Here!)
11th September 2022 Cove Sailing Club
Spinnakers were flown from start to finish of the Cobh to Blackrock annual race up the River Lee on Saturday afternoon. It was a great Cork Harbour spectacle as the fleet carried the colourful sails up through Lough Mahon, the…
Despite numerous requests for support with rising costs, Irish aquaculture has been ignored, according to the representative body for the country’s fish farmers, IFA Aquaculture. It has taken issue with a claim by the Marine Minister that he has supported…
Cove Sailing Club's Cobh to Blackrock Race This Saturday Has Changes
5th September 2022 Cove Sailing Club
The annual Cobh to Blackrock Race in Cork Harbour will be sailed this Saturday, with a number of changes from previous years, including the return of dinghies with the support of Monkstown Bay SC to Cove Sailing Club, the overall…
Thousands of people lined the harbour walls at Les Sables d’Olonne in France this afternoon to watch the start of the Golden Globe non-stop round-the-world race. Ireland’s Pat Lawless is amongst the 16 solo skippers who started, with up to…
Pat Lawless Puts Disappointment Behind Him and is Ready to Go in Golden Globe Race This Sunday
2nd September 2022 Golden Globe Race
Irish solo sailor Pat Lawless completed his 300-nautical miles celestial navigation voyage which he was forced to do by the Golden Globe Race organisers this week and is now ready for the start of the race this Sunday from Les…
Ireland's Solo Sailor in the Golden Globe Race Penalised Before Race Starts
26th August 2022 Golden Globe Race
Ireland's solo sailor in the Golden Globe Race, Pat Lawless, has been penalised by the organisers even before the race has started. From Les Sables d'olonne in France this evening (Friday) he sent this message; "I have just been told…
Crowds lined the Riverside from Monkstown to Cobh in Cork Harbour this afternoon as the Big Lift Baffin left Cork Dockyard with three heavy lift cranes aboard bound for New York. Two Cork Port tugs assisted the ship leaving the…
The 250-year history of Cork Port underscores the importance of the maritime sphere of the maritime sphere's importance to the region, its Chief Executive told a National Heritage Week event in the Crawford Art Gallery in the city, which was…
Solo sailor Pat Lawless finished in the top half of the Golden Globe Race prologue of 280 nautical miles from Gijon in Spain to Les Sables d'Olonne. “I was delighted with the race. The boat sailed as well as the…
“Irish people of the sea have called for generations on the Blessed Virgin Mary as a guiding spirit while they are at sea.” That aspect of Irish maritime tradition refers to the use of the name Stella Maris on boats.…
Shannon Foynes Port CEO Welcomes Tender for Limerick to Foynes rail
15th August 2022 Shannon Estuary
The Shannon Estuary can become an international floating offshore wind and related green fuels generation hub, according to the Chief Executive of the Port Company, Pat Keating, who today welcomed the expression of interest’ tender for works on the 42km…
