Dundrum crowned Fest champions

Dundrum crowned Fest champions

14 August 2024

SPECTACULAR weather graced last weekend’s Skiffie Fest at Delamont Country Park on the shores of Strangford Lough with Dundrum Coastal Rowing Club crowned overall winners.

The action began on Friday evening with the U-17 juniors with Sea Swallow from Strangford Coastal Rowing Club dominating the medals table.

Two of the U-19 junior races were won by Danny Boy from Dundrum Coastal Rowing Club, with the over 60s ladies and men’s races won by Dundrum CRC and Strangford CRC respectively.

The medals were presented by Newry, Mourne and Down Council chairman Pete Byrne on Friday evening.

Saturday's racing got off to a fine start with Killyleagh CRC winning the under 40 male category, with Eastern CRC winning the under 40 female rave, with Killyleagh CRC taking the honours in the under 40 mixed races. 

Golspie CRC dominated the over 40s races in Ben Braggie and Ardglass CRC won the 40-plus female race in Ardglass Lass. 

Scottish teams Eastern CRC and Golspie CRC struck gold in the 5-plus races with Sketrick and Dundrum battling it out for gold in the 280-plus races.

The packed programme of events ended on Sunday evening with the Open ladies and men's races also being won by Dundrum Coastal Rowing Club.

Dundrum CRC were the overall winners of Skiffie Fest and the competition was fierce this year with five Scottish clubs and one club from England joining the nine local clubs. 

Eastern CRC secured the trophy for the best overseas club and were a force to be reckoned with.

The junior competitors were particularly impressive with Dundrum, Strangford, Killyleagh, Eastern and Golspie CRC's fielding teams. 

The Skiffie Fest best junior trophy was won by Strangford CRC, the best senior trophy was won by Sketrick CRC and Dundrum CRC secured the ultimate prize the ‘Narrows Challenge Plaque' with Dundrum ladies winning the Moyna Tyson Cup.

The Iain Oughtred Memorial Trophy was also won by Dundrum CRC which enjoyed a very impressive weekend on the water.

The Down Coastal Rowing Association Skiffie Festival Committee would like to thank the local council for its financial and practical assistance.

Thanks also to race sponsors Finnebrogue, Reilly Education, Magnakata, East Coast Granite Ltd, BUT Mutual, Garuda, Holly’s Coffee, Kilmegan Cider, MKB Law, King and Boyd.

T L Graham and Son, Slievemoyle Cottages, Michael and Paula Kearney, Susan Morgan, Quarry Hill Church, Central Motorhomes, staff at Delamont Country Park, Belfast Kayak Club, the Belfast Activity Centre, Safer Waters, the Coastguard, the Mia Murray Foundation.

Thanks also to service providers Strangford Moorings, Scrabo Scaffolding, Magnakata, EMT, AJS, Balloo Hire, WC Catering, Denvir's Bar, 2Taps, Coffee Angels, Flat Dogs, Hup Street, the Billy and Neil duo and Highway 56 for the musical entertainment.

The committee is also grateful for clubs who provided umpire boats, volunteers and the Skiffie Fest 2024 Committee led by David Larmour.

Full list of results are now available at www.skiffiefest.com