The annual regatta began in 1862. For well over a century it was the highlight of the summer months for many people in Gaultier. Large crowds gathered in the village and congregated along the quayside and on the “Island” where these people are standing or sitting. The Island is no longer there. It was situated in the area now occupied by the West Wharf, the Ice-plant and the Yacht Club.
The spectators enjoyed the yacht racing, swimming and rowing races as well as special events like “The greasy pole”, model yacht races and one of the closing events, the Duck Hunt. The best place to see the “Duck” (a strong swimmer who had to evade the chasing pilot punt), was on the island where these people are gathered. A fancy dress parade was another enjoyable feature.
The starting “pistol” was usually a Shotgun but the pellets were first removed from the cartridges.
Elderly people from the rural countryside once told me that their one excursion away from the daily toil was the annual trip to Dunmore for the regatta and the luxury of sitting on a wall, eating ice-cream.
Article by John Burke
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