A very successful week at athlone was enjoyed by those members who participated. The evening lectures in the Luan Gallery were well attended and between Jonathan Shackelton's opener to the Leech family's final night event, there was something to interest all. The art on show at the quayside gallery was well attended and thanks are due to Jill and her team. The Luan festival events kept everyone busy and a big thank you to Athlone Town Council for all their support. Some snaps from the week are here.

Alison Alderton has written a lovely article in the current issue of Towpath Tim about some of our vessels and their owners, well worth a read.

Some of our members while on a cruise in company on Lough Ree supported a campaign to highlight the existance of an historic trade boat route on the western shore. The "Wood Passage" runs northwards inside the Wood shoal and is a shorter and more sheltered route into the Lecarrow. The IWAI CSig group have surveyed the area and the local St. John's Historical Group have been campaigning to have the route properly marked.

Don't forget to drop in on the blogs of two friends of ours which are always of interest,  The Hawthorn Blog and Ouch My Back Hurts.