Limerick County Council to Honour World-Beating Limerick Sailor

A former Limerick Sports Star Of the Year who last week became the first Irish overall winner of the Rolex Fastnet Yacht Race is to be honoured by Limerick County Council next month. Limerick-based property developer Ger O'Rourke will be officially recognised at a Civic Reception in County Hall on Monday 24th September at 4.30pm.

The Irish yacht Chieftain, owned by O'Rourke, was declared the official winner of the Rolex Fastnet Yacht Race after completion of the annual contest in Plymouth on Wednesday night.

O'Rourke and his crew were awarded the Fastnet Challenge Cup and a Rolex Yachtmaster timepiece at a prize-giving ceremony in Plymouth's historic Royal Citadel on Friday.

"The 608-mile event is one of toughest offshore sailing races in the world and this victory is a major sporting success for Limerick and Ireland", stated Cllr. Kevin Sheahan, Chairperson of Limerick County Council.

He added, "Limerick County Council is delighted to hold a Civic Reception for Ger O'Rourke to recognise his significant and momentous achievement. This is the highest accolade at the disposal of Limerick County Council for any individual, group or organisation."

Cllr. Sheahan explained, "Limerick and its sports men and women are known the world over and have been a source of pride for the County for many years. Ger O'Rourke's success in the Fastnet Race further enhances Limerick's proud sporting tradition and ability to compete at the top level nationally and internationally."

Cllr. Sheahan added that the Limerick sailor's victory was especially significant considering his yacht was only given clearance to compete 48 hours before the event began.

Ger O'Rourke, who remains heavily involved with the Kilrush-based Western Yacht Club in County Clare, was named as Cork Dry Gin Sailor of the Year earlier this year. His sporting achievements together with his crew aboard their yacht Chieftain were adjudged to be the best marine sporting successes of last year.
The Managing Director of Chieftain Construction also famously won his class in the Sydney to Hobart race in Christmas 2005.

-ENDS-

Note to Editors:
- Cllr. Kevin Sheahan, Chairperson of Limerick County Council (087-2926333)
- For further details please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 086-8534900 or media@dunphypr.com

Mark Dunphy
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County Clare
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