Home News Community Woodenbridge Paddlers Erkina river festival enjoys a wave of success

Woodenbridge Paddlers Erkina river festival enjoys a wave of success

Edel Ryan chats with Catherine Duggan while collecting Fees at the Toll Bridge over the River Goul

Woodenbridge Paddlers celebrated 20 years of existence in style with their Erkina River Fest recently.

Events kicked off at the Woodenbridge on Sunday June 30.

The day featured a 20 year photograph exhibition, kayaking, canoe polo, rafting, pony rides, sheep dog trails, sheep shearing fishing and a game demo.

A walk back in time 

At 6pm, there will be a 6k Heritage Walk through the area. Starting at the Woodenbridge, the walk will bring you along the Coach Road by the old Geoghegan’s shop.

Visitors passed the toll bridge, Newtown mill, the ruins of Kavanagh’s dwelling house and Newtown Weir.

Next up was the Nunnery – which is reputed to have historical connections to a famous Naval ship.

A re-enactment which included the re-opening of Geoghegan’s shop and a toll collection at the bridge went down a treat on the evening. This was followed by music and refreshments afterwards in the Marquee.

Organiser Michael G Phelan thanked all those who contributed to the day’s success.

“A big thank you must go to the many exhibitors who put in huge effort in entertaining the attendance. The Heritage walk on the evening proved a real high for many to which the landowners and many speakers deserve great credit,” he said.

Raffle winners on the day were Mary Gilman-Bennett (Durrow Castle Voucher), Claire Delahunty (The Folly Family Tickets) Mgt. Kells (Guinness Storehouse Tour) and John Cullen (Rathdowney Golf Club Green Fees).

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