AN estimated 20,000 people are expected to attend the All-Ireland Coastal Rowing Championship generating a cash bonanza for Bantry in August.

The fact that it is returning to West Cork for the first time in 14 years has led people to suggest that this year’s event will be one of the biggest ever to come to West Cork.

Bill Deasy (left), the president of the Irish Coastal Rowing Federation revealed plans for the three-day event at a special launch party at the Marino Church in Bantry on Friday night.

‘This year’s event will welcome over 3,000 competitors, forming more than 600 crews from between 30 and 40 clubs across the island of Ireland, both North and South,’ he said.

But that doesn’t include the 10,000 to 15,000 spectators expected to descend on the town.

Accommodation is booking up fast because people will be travelling long distances to compete and support their teams.

Most are planning a week-long stay, to allow themselves time to set-up, and hopefully join in the celebrations after the spectacular closing event.

‘Across the weekend of the 14th, 15th and 16th of August, we will host over 70 races, catering for all levels and abilities with male and female competitors ranging in age from under 12 to over 60. That reflects the true inclusivity and spirit of our sport,’ said Bill who was a champion rower in his day and one of the founders of the federation.

The world-wide fame of Skibbereen Olympians Gary and Paul O’Donovan, and Fintan McCarthy, has helped to promote the sport nationwide and, as a result, young people are joining clubs in their droves.

After all, when the All-Ireland Championships was last held in Cork, a younger Gary and Paul were among those competing at the event.

At the launch JJ McCarthy emphasised the strong sense of community and tradition at the heart of coastal rowing, paying tribute to Bantry Business Association for the incredible support its members have shown for the event.

Mary B Teahan, the chairperson of the Irish Coastal Rowing Federation, believes the event will be ‘a feast of coastal rowing.’

What will make it a true spectacle is that it will feature the Celtic One Design boats, as well as traditional and local craft including Down Skiffs, Wexford Cots, East Coast Skiffs, Cork timber yawls and Kerry Seine boats on the water.

For the 10,000 or more spectators lining the bay area there will be lots of other things to enjoy like music and food stalls, as well as the chance to see the action up close on the bid screens – just like the Olympics.