History
St. Patrick’s Rowing Club was formed in 1935/1936. It’s the oldest skiff rowing club on the River Liffey.
The name originates from our local parish church St. Patrick’s in Ringsend. The founding members of the club were Paddy (Nipper) Breslan, Jamsie Geoghan, Walter McFarlane, Jack (saw) Cox, Muddler Mc Donnell, Lordy Murphy and Whack Dent. At the time, all of the men were confraternity men in Ringsend Church, therefore naming the club St. Patrick’s Rowing Club seemed the most obvious. The founding members were all connected to the docks, they were dockers, checkers and stevedores.
The First Skiff
The first ‘St. Patrick’ skiff was officially launched at Ringsend point by the Lord Mayor of Dublin in July 1935 and it was the first skiff rowing club in the parish of Ringsend.
Hobbling
East Coast Skiff racing has its origins in the occupation of Hobbling. Hobblers were freelance Harbour Pilots and competition was strong to win the contracts to pilot approaching ships into port and these contracts were won by prospective Pilots rowing and racing out to meet approaching ships to be the first to board the and win the lucrative contracts. Not only did the successful hobblers receive payment to pilot the ships into port but they were also awarded the contract for discharging/loading those ships whilst in port so it was well worth their while.
“Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards”.
— Søren Kierkegaard
