End of Season / Start of Season - this time around we are having a day on the water with an ‘Effin Bridge’ theme, followed by our annual get together over a meal in Leixlip, details are here (note, member only link).

The HBA away trip to Dusseldorf was enjoyed by those who travelled; pictures and report will follow shortly.

HBA AGM in Tullamore was, as usual, a well-attended event, report and some pictures to come.

Donal Boland launched his ‘Historic Map of Lough Derg’ at a well-attended function in Mountshannon. The map can be purchased from the IWAI online shop.

Just when you thought it had gone away, RAMBLER RETURNS to the ROYAL. John Connon has, as planned, started the process of bringing the ‘star’ back along the Royal Canal from the Shannon to be closer to home in Dublin for some Winter work. This has been a different trip without the film company in attendance and is of interest to those wishing to follow her path. The voyage and comments from interested parties are here on the IWAI forum.

Since August 4E has been travelling the Royal Canal from Clondra towards Dublin, initially to get to the spot from which she was removed in 1980 . This trip has unearthed information and photographs of her time at work on the Royal from the early 1950’s. The story so far.

Dublin IWAI, in its promotion of the ‘Green and Silver’ trip has had great success in encouraging boats to travel the circle of the Grand Canal, Shannon River and the Royal Canal. Completions to date include Ebenhaezer, Rud Eile and 31B.

Read more about the Green and Silver route here, and relive 31B’s Green and Silver trip here.

Season’s Greetings to all.