The end-of-season barbecue held recently by Coláiste Iognáid (Jes) Rowing Club was attended by more than 250 people, including Jes rowers, their families, friends and supporters, and members of neighbouring clubs.

Guests described this annual highlight as “a fitting conclusion to the club’s hugely successful season”.

In addition to delicious food that had been prepared and was served by an army of volunteers, the large crowd enjoyed entertainment from Sonata – and ambient background music from the nearby Arts Festival Big Top.

The end-of-season event was even more special as Fr Martin Curry SJ blessed the club’s newest boat, The Máirtín Mór, named in honour of the Galway businessman and politician Máirtín Mór McDonagh (1860-1934), who developed his father’s company, Thomas McDonogh & Sons, into Connacht’s biggest employer.

This Men’s 8 boat was sponsored by the Mc Donogh family, some of whom were present at the barbecue, including Máirtín’s 89-year old nephew, Thomas McDonogh, who also served at the helm of the company.

All present were regaled with tales of Máirtín Mór by historian, writer and guest speaker Jackie Ui Chionna, author of He Was Galway, about the entrepreneur.

The annual barbecue is a crucial fundraiser for the Jes Rowing Club and the evening featured a raffle, with prizes including a weekend away at Inishbofin’s Doonmore Hotel. Proceeds will go to support the Jes rowers who are selected to compete in upcoming international regattas between England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Pictured: Thomas McDonogh, the 89-year-old nephew of Máirtín Mór McDonogh with his son Tom and grandchildren Michael, Sarah, and Thomas at the Coláiste Iognáid Rowing Club summer barbecue where a new 8 boat ‘Máirtín Mór’ was dedicated to Máirtín Mór McDonogh.