Tom MacSweeney

1 week ago | afloat.ie | Tom MacSweeney

The great revival of the Rankin dinghy class at Cobh in Cork Harbour continues after ten years of dedicated work by enthusiasts of the boat. "We are now the biggest classic dinghy class in Cork Harbour, if not on the entire South Coast," Owen O'Connell declared at Whitepoint, overlooking the harbour when the three latest to be restored were displayed – Numbers 40, 41 and 42. "And we have more of which we know up to 49 altogether.

3 weeks ago | tommacsweeneymaritimepodcast.ie | Tom MacSweeney

Cheekpoint is a small picturesque village situated on the southern bank of the Riverf Suir. The village has a strong maritime history stretching back to the days of sail as a mail station and a once-thriving fishing community. Myra Desai, who lives in Enniskerry, pennd this poem about Cheekpoint and dedicated it to the traditional fishermen of the River Suir. “Thanks to my late father and the people of Cheekpoint and th Suir Estuary I have such wonderful memories.

3 weeks ago | tommacsweeneymaritimepodcast.ie | Tom MacSweeney

‘Boomerang’ is the Humpback which has smashed all Irish whale sighting records, according to Padraig Whooley who is Sightings Officer for the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group“70 sightings of this adult male along the Cork and Waterford coast, over 19 of a possible 23 years (2001-2024). Last year he was recorded for the first time in Co. Kerry, two miles North/West of the Skelligs on September  17, before returning to Galley Head in Cork on October 1,” says Padraig.

Dec 7, 2024 | tommacsweeneymaritimepodcast.ie | Tom MacSweeney

Over my years focusing on maritime affairs I developed when I presented SEASCAPES on RTE Radio, the use of the description…. “an island nation…”It has become part of the lexicon of language, often referred to by politicians and business figures. I realised it had made impact when I heard Ryanair’s boss Michael O’Leary used it in part of his regular hyperbole. However, I wonder if the Irish public generally, fully appreciate that they live on an island and cannot get off it unless they cross water.

Nov 18, 2024 | afloat.ie | Tom MacSweeney

Kinsale Yacht Club located in Kinsale, County Cork lies just 120 nautical miles from Wales, 240 from North West France and only 500 from the Galician Coast of North Spain.