Final preparations underway for the Athy Waterways Festival 28 th – 30 th May.

What promises to be the biggest and best ever Water Festival to be held in Athy is scheduled to take place over the weekend of 28th to 30th May 2004. The festival is organised by the North Barrow Branch of the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland (IWAI) who are celebrating the 50th anniversary this year.

In keeping with the principle of a “water” festival the emphasis this year will be on facilitating as many of the people of Athy and our visitors to participate in water-based activities. “Seeing the town from the water provides a unique perspective on the many attractions of Athy.” said Vivian Cummins, PRO of the North Barrow Branch of the IWAI. For the energetic this may be by way of pedal boat, rowing boat, canoe or raft, some of which will be available for hire during the event. The less able bodied might like to take a leisurely cruise on “The Princess Marcel” a cruiser that formerly ferried passengers around the canals of Amsterdam.

Other water-based events will include a rowing regatta being organised by the Athy Rowing Club, a community teams raft race for the Bertie Kiernan memorial trophy and a boat blessing ceremony.

In addition to the 30 or so boats being expected to moor in the town during the Athy Water Festival there are some very exciting land-based activities. The area around the Courthouse and Library will be closed to traffic for the duration of the Athy Water Festival. The Regenerating Athy and Rhyl Project are sponsoring a large marquee to house an International Craft Fair, with exhibitors from all over Ireland and further a field in attendance. The Athy Water Festival also plays host to a French Food market that will have over 30 stalls of assorted food and wines.

There will also be a vintage theme to the Athy Water Festival with a Viking village re-enactment being set up in the grounds of the Abbey adjoining Courthouse Square. There will also be every type of vintage vehicle including a vintage bus which is travelling over from Rhyl in north Wales.

The chairman of the Athy Water Festival, a sub-committee of the IWAI North Barrow branch is Barry Keatley and the commodore for this year's festival will be Pete Conlan. “The support we have received from businesses and other organisations in Athy is tremendous. We should also thank Athy Civil Defence who will be on hand to ensure the event passes safely” added Mr. Keatly.

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