Irish Flying Fifteen Western Championship 2026 at Rossaveel, Connemara
by Niall Bradshaw 25 Aug 13:57 BST
22-23 August 2026
Flying Fifteens Connemara hosted a cracking Western Championships. On Friday evening the visiting sailors were invited to race a pair of legendary Galway Hookers setting up a weekend of tight racing and good company.
Saturday began under a dead-flat mirror finish. Race Officer Brian Matthews had his work cut out, but his patience paid off.
Race 1 was a bit one-sided but getting a score banked early was key. As the breeze settled into decent sailing conditions for races 2 and 3, local pair Niall O Brien and Dermot Flaherty (4092) found their stride, stringing together back-to-back bullets.
Race 4 was held with the breeze falling away, Ian Mathews and Keith Poole (4093) snatching the win just before the course was shortened.
Back on shore, Rossaveel and Carraroe proved to be a fantastic host venue. Saturday's championship dinner was top-class, giving everyone a chance to catch up and enjoy proper Connemara hospitality.
A brief postponement on Sunday morning gave way to a light breeze with the fifth and final race going to Emma Pierce and Ian Smyth (3892) - sealing the Silver fleet victory.
Overall Western Championship honours went to local hosts Niall O'Brien and Dermot Flaherty (4092) Andrew McCleery and Colin Dougan (4120) second overall, with Lee Statham and Andy Paul (4070) in third.
The Bronze Fleet victory went to Niall Bradshaw and Rory Scullion (3895).
A highlight of the prize-giving was the presentation of the Ben Mulligan Trophy which was awarded to TJ Clarke.