The Annual Blessing of the Boats
The annual blessing of the boats took place on Sunday May 12th in the bustling, popular Poolbeg Yacht and Boat Club. Fr Ivan was accompanied by Canon Leonard Ruddock, Church of Ireland Rector for Irishtown and Donnybrook, who along with Deacon Matthew McCauley prayed for a safe and enjoyable sailing for the months ahead and years to come. Together they called upon God’s grace for a bountiful and abundant season on the sea as they took turns to bless each boat with holy water along the Marina.
Larry Scully, Vice Commodore of the Poolbeg Yacht and Boat Club welcomed everyone to the special event, which is a very important date in the club calendar and spoke about the long and valued tradition and he thanked everyone for their efforts and teamwork in making the event happen, including local councillor Danny Byrne FG who represented Lord Mayor Daithí de Róiste on the day. Larry also recited a beautiful poem about the sea called Echoes that was requested by Fr Tonge which fitted the occasion perfectly.
Larry also mentioned that this year’s blessing had a specially poignant note as the family of local man Johnny Wedick, who tragically passed away last year, were scattering his ashes in the Bay during the parade of sail. Johnny served in most positions in the Poolbeg Yacht and Boat Club, including being the Commodore and a trustee. He was a long and valued member who helped bring the club forward over many years, and was a great supporter and longtime friend. He will be sadly missed and never forgotten by all who knew and loved him.
Fr Ivan also blessed the wreath which was scattered at sea in memory of deceased members who made a difference and will always be remembered. Everyone was invited to go on the beautiful yachts for the parade of sails up to the Half Moon and back as the weather was acting up before returning to the clubhouse.
Poolbeg Yacht and Boat Club are an ‘open to all’ club and have a distinguished and colourful maritime tradition stretching back to the 17th century. Members old and new appreciate the friendly, family oriented atmosphere of this highly sociable club which also provides a fantastic range of activities for all their members. The club built a 100 berth marina which is a fantastic location for permanent and visiting boats with easy access from Dublin Bay.
For more information, check out their social media and on the website at poolbegmarina.ie
