Sunday August 13th WaterSports Day dawns and with it the anticipation of the day. Would the Gods send us rain or let the sun shine down? 2016 was a wet day – two in a row would not be good for volunteer or punter morale. Statues of Our Lady and the Child of Prague facing East – would they bail us out this year? Pun intended.
Naught to worry about the day starts well – dry and pleasant – the odd threat of a raindrop or two as the flyers go on the cars outside Churches in Letterfrack and Tullycross but no great need for worry.
Down to Glassilaun Beach, Renvyle, Connemara – home to WaterSports Day since 1995 – where volunteers arrive and beaver away setting up stall for the day’s events. Signs already up and areas fenced off, the P.A. System and loudspeakers come next. Very soon cars begin to arrive and arrive and arrive! Bikers too and cyclists and walkers. Men on the road busy with traffic control and organizing car parking in Walsh’s Field beside the beach.
Soon all is in full flow and Tickets being sold for the various activities of the day. Bouncy Castle & Slide adding colour to the beach, kayaks being carried down and lined up for action. Ponies arriving to great welcome. Boats and scubadiving ready for off. Barbeque up and ready – time for lunch anyone? Children’s Races bringing so much joy and lots and lots of Prizes. Sandcastles beginning to magically adorn the beach.
Later there is the Puppet Show – a welcome return – and a little wind down time before heading home. Last thing of the day the announcement of the Sandcastle Competition Winners and Prize Giving.
Cup of Tea anyone before heading home? An Ice Cream perhaps?
Balmy feel to the day with the sun peeping though for much of the time. Money in and counted all to help children who are abused. This year €3,500 on its way to Children At Risk Ireland and some reserved in the bank to start us off next year. Insurance costs and distribution of our Helpline Cards to schools.
A Happy Day. Lots of fun – what’s not to like? Next year come and help – you’ll love it!
Huge thanks to all who contribute in any way to our success be it by volunteering your time, prizes or donations. Big thank you to three volunteers who are retiring this year after many years helping us – you will be badly missed. We will be putting on a big drive to recruit new volunteers for 2018 – if you think our cause worthwhile (helping sexually abused children) and can give a couple of hours on the day (Sunday August 12th 2018) don’t put it off, contact us now. (086.2523554)
Oh, and don’t forget to check out our Facebook Page WaterSports Day on Glassilaun Beach in aid of Children At Risk Ireland, have a look at the photos, give us a LIKE!