-On Sunday June 3rd the Boatsmens Re-union will take place in Sallins Co. Kildare and there will be a small presence of ex - workboats for the occasion. These gentlemen (and ladies) have endless stories about the workboats and are always worth spending a little time with.

On Sunday May 20th the River Rats Calendar will be launched at the Waterways Visitor Centre, Grand Canal Basin. This will be the culmination of the considerable work which made this project possible and early details are here.

- The Offaly Fleadh is being held in Banagher from May 11th until May 14th, sessions are planned for the harbour area so it should be a great event.

- Portumna Splash - Sunday 13th May. Many members will have noted the piece in Updates about the promotional event being run by Portumna Chamber to promote Portumna as a destination. Much of the emphasis in this will be on the waterways dimension. HBA has been approached by Tony Williams, Chair of the Chamber to ask if we would provide a presence on the day - ie a few boats and skippers "flying the flag".

If you are in the vicinity it would be great if you can support this community event by being present in Castle Harbour.

Andy

Below are some extracts from Tony's email which expand a bit more on the plans for the day:

" There will be angling demonstrations, talks from members of the Irish Water Safety, exhibits of water inhabitants by the fisheries board, attendances by Waterways Ireland and Failte Ireland.

Music will be performed by Tradstone on the quayside while a local restauranteur will exhibit how to prepare the perfect fish dish.

A local diver will play our very own lough Derg monster to the happy music of jaws rising from the water to squirt unsuspecting victims with water.

I would be delighted on behalf of the chamber of commerce if you could as discussed make boats available which can show their history and also showcase how such a craft can be adapted for modern boating

- Daingean is a really busy place in preparation of the launch of a heritage trail on June 10th. The HBA will be there in support and a great weekend is planned. "Daingean Heritage" and "Daingean Developement" each have strong Facebook pages which will keep you up to date.

- Jamestown 2012 of course is our main get together this year and preparations are going well. Keep in touch with the event web-site.

- The Abbeyshrule Canal Group have planned a rolling rally on the Royal Canal, details are here.

- Anyone crossing from Royal Canal to Grand or the other direction, will need to take note of the railway bridge at North strand lift dates and some contact details.