The final day of the 2007 festival, Bank Holiday Monday Aug 6th is what Wicklow Regatta Festival is all about – The Wicklow Rowing Club Regatta. The Skiff racing, which is the highlight of the east coast rowing season began at 1pm and continued all afternoon. Nine skiff racing titles were decided during the afternoon, including 4 for Wicklow's 'St. Manntan', in between spectacular displays by the Sea King Helicopter and the RNLI and Coastguard Life Saving unit. Hundreds lined the new pier and seafront and marveled at these heroes. Simultaneously, an old tradition was successfully revived this year, namely, the ‘Blessing of the Boats’ and took place on the river and in the harbor. Later in the evening, revelers again gathered at the Bridge Tavern for the official closing ceremony, where chairman Robert Dunne presented the ‘Overall Singing Pubs’ trophy to Lenny Canavan, Bar Manager at the Bridge Tavern. The massive crowd then danced ‘till late to the Kaye twins Powerhouse Brass. Below is the full result of the Wicklow Rowing Club Regatta.

	1st	2nd	3rd
Under 12	St Manntan	Shamrock	St. Patrick’s
Under 14	St Manntan	Shamrock	St. Patrick’s
Under 16	Shamrock	St Manntan	(2 finishers)
Junior Ladies	St Manntan	Shamrock	Arklow
Senior Ladies	Arklow	St Manntan	Bray
Under 18	Shamrock	St Malachy	St. Patrick’s
Intermediate	Bray	Shamrock	Arklow
Junior	St Manntan	Stella Maris	Arklow
Senior	Bray	St Manntan	St. Patricks

A damp morning on Sunday Aug 5th unfortunately led to the cancellation of the Archery Challenge – but rain didn’t affect the ‘aqua’ events. The Conway Port 'South East Cruiser Regatta' run by Wicklow Sailing Club was very successful with over 50 or more boats competing. After racing, the crews were entertained in the club house by a super Jazz Band. Meanwhile, and indoors at the Grand Hotel, budding DJ’s were given free DJ tuition by Alan Clearly. The Raft Race is now a firm Regatta Favorite – and in a soft summer rain, hundreds lined the quays and riverbank to witness this great spectacle. The singing Pubs results were announced at the raft race prize giving ceremony. The rain soon cleared and everyone looked forward to the evenings fireworks display - which proved as spectacular as ever. Revelers then hit the dance floors for the Room404 session at Silvers nite Club.

The Bank Holiday weekend continued on Saturday Aug 4th with a wonderful ‘Art and Photography Exhibition’ in Wicklow’s Fitzwilliam Sq. In glorious summer sunshine, hundreds enjoyed the many exhibits. The Farmer’s Market continued until 3pm and shoppers all along the main street were entertained during the 'Street Buskers Competition’. Members of the RNLI continued to collect in what is their biggest annual fundraiser. A massive crowd of parents and children picniced, partied and partook in all the children’s events including face-painting, bouncy castles and the Children’s Fancy Dress. The display by the ‘Wicklow Ambulance Service’ proved very popular with curious little ones. Rockers enjoyed more fun at the Gig Rig at Leitrim Place while the ‘aqua’ events continued at the old pier with both Model and ‘Real’ Yacht Racing.

Friday Aug 3rd was D-day for Air Guitarists. The long awaited 2007 All Ireland ‘Air Guitar’ Championships got underway at Wicklow’s Bridge Tavern. The charity event, making its festival debut, raised over €1000 for AWARE. Approx 30 competitors strutted their stuff under hot lights and pounding Rock Music. 10 head bangers managed to reach the final and after a very difficult decision (I would say that!) Mr. Paul Hughes (centre) from Newbridge, Co. Kildare was announced the winner and received €200 and was crowned champion. In second place was Wicklow’s No.1 ‘Rock Chick’  Lisa Dargan and in third place was the Bridge Tavern’s David Serrano. Well done and a big thanks to all the many people who helped in this production. A deffo event in next years programme.  Earlier the Pet Show proved as ever popular as it always has and always will be. The Wicklow Rugby Club hosted the Annual ‘Rugby Club ‘Interclub’ Talent Contest. Some old and new faces participated and witnessed this very popular event including Ciaran Olohan, John & Maura Porter and Mike & May Lambert. The Singing Pubs competition concluded at Tá Sé 's. The anxious wait for results begins.

Children’s events are always at the heart of any festival – and Thurs Aug 2nd was the start of a weekend of events for the under 14’s. The ‘Junior Stars in Their Eyes’ in the Grand hotel took centre stage today. This event was in aid of the Wicklow Youth Club and had a very strong entry. The Adult Treasure Hunt proved a difficult challenge and some were still looking for clues long after sunset. Time for entertainment then! Most of the town seemed to gather at the newly renovated ‘Loft’ at the Old Forge for their re-entry into the Singing Pubs Competition. Melissa, Dermot, Reggie and all the crew can be proud of a great nights entertainment. We just LOVED the costumes. If there was a medal for this category - the gold medal would be a banker.

The swimmers began proceedings on Wed 1st Aug, which was closely followed by the ‘Barpersons Race’, won this year by Noodles & Sparky (below left) from the Grand Hotel. A huge crowd and 10 teams were at Leitrim place to witness and participate in this eternally popular event. Medals and cash prizes were awarded by the Regatta Queen, Jennifer Commisky. The rugby club organised ‘Car Treasure Hunt’ and ‘Maritime Walk’ went off simultaneously and, as usual, attracted lots of interest. The day’s finale kicked off when Clifford and his crew entertained a packed house in their version of the ‘Singing Pubs’. Some category prizes are surely destined for this show.


Tues July 31st began in a sun-drenched Supervalu car park with the Children’s’ Treasure Hunt. A huge crowd as usual turned out for this popular event, once again organised by Brendan & Mary Flynn. Evening entertainment was divided between the Village and the Town. Fitzpatrick’s Rathnew staged a cracking singing pubs and must now be one of the overall favorites. Meanwhile old favourites ‘Thomas & Shay’ entertained a very appreciative audience at the ‘Young at Heart’ nite in the Grand Hotel. Thanks once again to Derek Dunne.

No let up in the action on Monday July 30th. Hundreds of teens & children as usual enjoyed the funfair on the murrough. On a glorious summers evening the Christine Dunne School of Dancing entertained a large crowd at Leitrim place. The Sailing Club hosted both the 'Open Photo' & the 'Plastic Model' competitions. The new Regatta Queen had a busy night, and was admired at both the Indoor bowls and Photo & Doll Competitions. Jennifer, along with a huge crowd were then entertained to a rousting 'Singing Pubs' show at Ernies Bar. Congrats to Gavin and all the performers.

Sunday July 29th finally saw the sun shine in Co. Wicklow. The swimmers and sailors were first out of the traps and provided some excellent photo opportunities. On a sun drenched Leitrim place - hundreds gathered to participate and watch both the Golly fishing competition and the IHWT sponsored free pony rides. John Finally hosted a Leisurely historic walk through Wicklow's past - and then the crowds gathered and enjoyed some fantastic live music at the gig rig. Proceedings for the day concluded at the Regatta Queen Ball - where Ms. Jennifer Commiskey was crowned 2007 queen. There was well over 3000 txt votes cast for the competition! Special thanks to Paula McEvoy for organising this event.

Saturday 28th July proved to be a very busy day. Proceedings began simultaneously with the Farmers Market in Market Square and the Bike & Scooter Rally in the Murrough Car Park. The afternoon showers didn't dampen spirits at the Tug o' War at 'The Riverbank' where hundreds turned out to watch 10 teams compete. There was disappointment all round when it was regrettably announced that the Official 'Opening Ceremony'would be cancelled due to heavy rain.


The singing Pubs introduced the 2007 Wicklow Regatta Festival. In a jam packed ‘Bridge Cavern’ – Bar Manager Lenny Canavan was MC and introduced a fantastic one hour show. Musical accompaniment was provided by ‘The Groove’. Highlights of the show included the ‘Bar Staff’ act who, in full Beatles regalia performed “Captain Halpins Lonely Hearts Club Band”. Otheres who excelled included Thomas Merrigan & Louise Jameson who performed as Johnny Cash and June Carter, Joe O’Connor, “Dangerous Dave”, Mary Kinsella, John Jameson and the fantastic Lynsey Porter – one to note for the future.