Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company

SPRING 2009

New Harbour Company Chief Executive

Gerry Dunne has been appointed Chief Executive of Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company, succeeding Michael Hanahoe who retires this month after 11 years at the helm.

Mr Dunne comes with a strong marketing and business development background, and has held managing director and board positions in Ireland and the UK with Nutricia, Monaghan Mushrooms, RTE and Broadworks Communications.

Announcing Mr Dunne's appointment, the Chairman of the Harbour Company, Seán Costello said: "The Board and I are very pleased to have recruited a person of Gerry's calibre and skills to lead the Company in these challenging times. I am confident that he will make a major contribution to the further development of the Company. On behalf of my colleagues on the Board, and all the company's staff, I want to thank Michael Hanahoe for his contribution since 1997. Michael leaves the Company in excellent shape and I wish him well in his retirement."

Vast armada on the way to 2009 Regatta

Over 550 boats from France, Spain, Scotland, Wales, England and the Isle of Man will converge on Dun Laoghaire next July for the start of Ireland's largest sailing event - the 2009 Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta, supported by the Harbour Company.

Since the four Dun Laoghaire yacht clubs joined forces to launch the first regatta in 2005, the event has grown in size each year. This year, the regatta takes place from Thursday, July 9th to Sunday, July 12th. More than 4,000 sailors from Ireland and 13 other nations competing across 25 classes in a fleet of over 550 boats, will participate. Over the course of four days, Dublin Bay will see more than 250 races taking place. Both professional and amateurs sailors will race in boats that cost as little as €3,000 to as much as €1million for the 'super zero' class.

The Jeanie Johnston, the replica 19th century vessel and famine history museum will berth in the Harbour for the regatta. Other activities include

a farmers' market, street entertainment including a carnival with face painters and balloon men, numerous ladies fashion events, a vintage car rally, live music from jazz to traditional Irish to marching bands, local restaurant and pub events, an evening of Irish culture, music, food and dancing and a scheduled RNLI Air Sea Rescue demonstration.

Phil Smith, Chairman of the Organising Committee, said: "The Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta owes its prominence in European sailing events to a number of factors. One of these is that it is one of the least expensive sailing events in Europe, providing great value for money. We have more than 300 volunteers who give their time and energy to ensure the regatta runs smoothly, as well as the active cooperation of local area businesses, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and the Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company."

More information is at www.dlregatta.org and www.dlrevents.ie