Rowing is making a resurgence in the fishing communities along the south east coast.
The sixth annual Waterford Estuary Mussel Festival takes place in Passage East in September, celebrating all things marine.
The boat race is a big draw, and the Ferrycarrig Rowing Club is keeping alive the tradition of rowing in boats originally built for salmon fishing here and in the Slaney Estuary.
Salmon fishing provided a good living for coastal communities up to thirty years ago explains Ray Colfer of the Ferrycarrig Rowing Club.
There would have been umpteen boats like we see rowing here.
The annual blessing of the boats is attended by fishermen boat users who are aware of the dangers of the sea, and the short ceremony means a lot to them, says Fintan Walsh, from the Waterford Estuary Mussel Festival,
They all realise that there's somebody watching over them.
Wexford rowers Karen Sinnott and Christine Carter are part of a dedicated group training five nights a week, but maintain that the sport is still an enjoyable pastime,
It’s good fun.
Yvonne Colfer is a cox with the Ferrycarrig Rowing Club and believes her role can make or break a crew’s chances of winning,
Encourage them to give them that little bit extra.
This report for 'Nationwide’ was broadcast on 5 November 1999. The reporter is Damian Tiernan.
