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
Inshore fishermen say they are in “severe financial straits” because of a ‘crash’ in prices and processors closing. The National Inshore Fishermen’s Association has made a request to the Minister for the Marine for “immediate financial support” in order to…
After 50 years, there is a major change in sailmaking at Crosshaven, Cork Harbour’s dominant sailing centre..Outside the village, the loft associated with the legendary Des McWilliams and family is no longer a sailmaking centre. Barry Hayes and his wife,…
Disappointment in Baltimore Over the Sale of Former Glenans Sailing Centre
9th November 2023 West Cork
The former Glenans Sailing Centre in the West Cork coastal village of Baltimore has been sold to a private developer, despite the local community's campaign to preserve it for a maritime heritage centre. The long saga of Baltimore Railway Station,…
There is a growing feeling in the fishing industry that there is a lack of coordination between various Government Departments in developing marine, specially designated protected areas. This has been particularly highlighted by the Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation, which has claimed that the…
On-going efforts by fishermen to reduce their environmental impact, increase their efficiency and contribute to scientific data collection are continuing to enhance the sustainability credentials of seafood, Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation has claimed. The major Donegal-based fishing group is also looking…
Noel Campbell, Assistant Keeper at the National Museum of Country Life in Turlough Park, Castlebar, is leading the development of a boat gallery to preserve the history and culture of Irish traditional vessels. Turlough Park is about eight miles from…
Machinery failure in motorboats is the most common cause of lifeboat call-outs. So says the RNLI in the Autumn edition of its magazine – Offshore – which focuses on engine failure – how to prevent a small niggle from becoming…
Bremore Ireland Port has unveiled its vision for what it says “will become the first new deepwater port development since the foundation of the Irish State.” The ‘Vision for Bremore Ireland Port’ developed by Henning Larsen,’ a leading global architecture…
University College Cork researchers have completed a survey of the offshore islands, which concludes that long-term secure, affordable, available housing is essential to maintain and build resilient, vibrant, and sustainable communities. The researchers, Dr Conor Cashman and Dr Siobhan O’Sullivan,…
“Offshore sailing is a mechanical sport, and it is an intellectual sport. More than using physical abilities and power, you can use your head to get the boat to work for you.” That piece of advice could, it seems to…
Tom Harding was legendary amongst the Tall Ships fraternity. Bosun on the Asgard and on the Jeanie Johnston, Tom was a man who revelled in being a seafarer, a sailor, whose pride in the craft of seamanship was immense. His…
The Royal Cork Yacht Club has opened entries for its biennial Volvo Cork Week Regatta in Cork Harbour. "It's the starting gun for the 2024 regatta," according to Cork Week Chairman Ross Deasy. "It will take place from Monday, July…
The Irish Fish Producers’ Organisation has called for co-operation and collaboration collaboration to tackle “the current and growing imbalance between EU and non-EU Members fishing rights. The Chief Executive of the IFPO, Aodh O’Donnell, who is in London today for…
The heart of Galway's maritime heritage will come to life at the end of the month in the three-day Galway Docklands Festival, which will be held from September 29 to October 1. It will be “an unforgettable experience celebrating Galway's…
Former Director of the Irish Coast Guard and former Head of the European Mission to Somalia, Chris Reynolds, recently announced his new role as a Team Leader for a maritime security project. The project will primarily focus on maritime enforcement…
There can be no let-up in highlighting the importance of a review of the Common Fisheries Policy of the EU as vital to the future of the Irish fishing industry. That is the view expressed by the Chief Executive of…
Abandonment of Seafarers Increasing According to International Union
14th September 2023 Ports & Shipping
The international seafarers’ trade union, Nautilus, says that abandonment of seafarers by shipowners is on the rise and that last year was the worst on record. At the end of 2022, according to an article in its magazine, Telegraph, 103…
A 'Heritage & Fastnet Centre' is scheduled to open in Summer 2024 on Cape Clear Island, located on the West Cork coast. The development of the centre was celebrated by raising flags at the proposed site during a 'Flags Day'…
International Maritime Organisation to Discuss Underwater Noise Problems
6th September 2023 Ports & Shipping
As shipping, recreational boating and energy exploration have increased along coastlines, offshore and in deep ocean environments, concern has been raised about the impact of noise from these activities. Research has established that such noise can travel long distances underwater,…
Solo Sailor Tom Dolan is Recharging For The Next Leg of the Figaro Race
31st August 2023 Tom MacSweeney
Solo sailor Tom Dolan was fairly tired when I talked to him at Kinsale Yacht Club after he had finished second in the first leg of this year’s Figaro Race, sailing Smurfit Kappa into Kinsale with a 14-minute advantage over…
