The Liffey Descent

Sixty years of Ireland’s toughest canoeing challenge.

“I have written this not because I believe I am the most knowledgeable, or the best or even the most experienced person who has had any involvement with the Liffey Descent. I am doing it because I love the Liffey Descent and in the hope that my efforts might inspire others to share their experiences of this great event.

“I have written this entirely from memory from my current residence in Skopje, Macedonia where I am involved in a two year EU funded project with the Ministry of Environment. I do not have access to records, although I have some in Cork. Thus I apologise in advance for the inevitable errors that I have made with names and dates. The event is bigger than any of us.

“My involvement with the Liffey started in 1967 , thus I can claim no knowledge based on personal experience before that year. Anything I have set out about the years before this is to record what little I know and hopefully to stimulate others.

“I am aware that this reads as a very personal account, but it is done entirely from memory. I have done it because I love the race, even if each race morning nowadays, I seriously question my sanity, especially when I look around and see so many young, fit and enthusiastic people, but then I also see Mick Keating and Gerry Collins who are at least fit.

“What the future holds in store for the race I don’t know, but as long as there remain a dedicated team of organisers, there very fact that the Liffey is there will ensure a great and continuing event which will be attended by paddlers from all around the world.”

Features:

• 247 pages
• Full colour
• Published Maclean Productions
• 20.00 Euros
• www.canoecentre.ie/products/ the-liffey-descent-iain-maclean