Sunday June 3rd was the date set for the canal boatmen to gather in Sallins for their annual re-union. A prayer ceremony at the local church was followed by a meal and entertainment in "Flanagans Mill" located on the canal harbour.

Early greeting of old friends was followed by the showing of the film of the first re-union. The year was 1986 and Robertstown the obvious venue to gather these unique men, twenty six years after commercial canal transport had ended.

The group today included six of these men - Billy and Christy Bolger, Peadar Boland, Bertie Conroy, Andy Maloney and Larry Mc Grath. Along with their families a lovely meal was enjoyed followed by some live music and singing which had everyone wanting more.

Mary Hoare from Carlow is to be congratulated in pulling together a really wonderfull day. With luck there will be many more.