Waterford nature lovers invited to launch of book about Laois man's epic river voyage

On April 1, 2021, Michael G Phelan set out on what was to become an epic voyage from the source of the River Erkina to the Celtic Sea.

Far from being a foolhardy adventure, as the start date might suggest, this voyage wasn't just a labour of love, it had a real practical purpose for the Laois man who has lived by the River Erkina all his life. He says himself, that his life in a big way revolves around the river that rises in Kilkenny and flows through Laois before joining the Nore.

Eva, James and Lucy Ryan with the book

The G, as he is known to many, set out initially in 2021 to raise funds needed for the River Erkina Blueway. It's ambitious project to make the river navigable between Durrow and Rathdowney as an amenity for locals and a visitor atrraction.

The idea of a 30 day paddle was hatched in lockdown when restrictions meant traditional fundraising was virtually impossible. Money was needed to pay for a blueway plan. The idea was to get a sponsor for each day of the day on the river. He was joined by Alison Bailey and his dog Captain.

Sponsorship rolled in and it was soon apparent that the 30 day paddle would achieve its goal. By the end of the 30 days Michael was faced with a conundrum that for him had an easy solution.

Sponsors continued to come forward but the 30 days were no more. So he decided to go all in. The new challenge - follow the waters of the Erkina and Goul in Laois to the sea along the Three Sisters - the River, Nore, Barrow and Suir. He would even manage a detour to the River Slaney in Wexford.

The canoeing fanatic also rebranded calling his sequel challenge '100 Days of Paddling'.

He would complete the challenge in 100 days and along the way he used social media to keep the public updated on his progress.

However, would also make a decision that would prove crucial. He decided to take a pen and paper and write about his daily paddles in a journal. He also took plenty of pictures along the way.

He took notes and photos just to have his own record of the challenge but months later these writings would inspire a new idea - a book.

The seed for the idea of the book was planted in sad circumstances.

In December 2021, Michael's dog Captain was diagnosed with cancer. His pet would succumb to the disease early in 2022.

Down in the dumps at the loss of his companion on many river trips, Michael had another lightbulb moment - write a book about his 100 days on the water.

With the seed sown and the material gathered all that was left to do was find support, get it printed and, of course, write it.

Another journey began. Some might be daunted by this altogether differant challenge of navigation but not The G.

Getting the support of Jenny Collier at Laois Partnership was key. With other entities backing the project like Laois County Council, the LCDC funding was secured.

Martin Connolly came on board as printer and Alf Harvey backed up the project with photographs.

A multitude of other groups and individuals bought into the book idea and gave support in numerous ways.
The fruits of Michael's paddling and writing labours, with the support of many, have been realised with the publication of the book entitled “The Erkina River From Source To Sea - Tales from 100 days of Paddling”.

It brings you on the 153.8 km / 95.6 miles journey from the source of the Erkina in Rathpatrick forest to its meeting place with the Celtic Sea at Hook Head in Co Wexford.

In his publication's introduction, Michael says readers will discover many places and stories of interest of life on and by the river down the centuries and right up to the present day.

Michael writes of the many outstanding memories he has from the 100 days from the first day when Paddy Carroll was the first wheelchair user on board the specially adapted An Feadán.

He recalls the great support received along the way from local people in various counties.

He highlights the final day of the 30-day challenge when he was joined by Alison Bailey and some of the sponsors in brilliant sunshine at the Woodenbridge before heading for a picnic and refreshments at Bob's Bar in Durrow.

He also recalls recreating a moment of nostalgia on camera with Alf Harvey and three men who went on the first ever organised long distance outing by the Woodenbridge Paddlers in September 1999 to John's Bridge in Kilkenny. Jim Ryan, Bernard Ryan and Michael Dunphy lined up for a photo 22 years later to recreate the achievement back then.

Micheal dedicates the book to the memory of all the great people in his area who have passed away and touchingly to his 'old friend' Captain.

Before he finishes talking about the book, Michael returns to the point of the voyage and the words and pictures recorded forever in print.

He hopes that it will play a part in persuading Laois County Council and other agencies of the value of developing the Erkina Blueway in Laois which he says has 100% support from landowners along the route from Durrow to Rathdowney.

The book will be launched by Laois man and RTÉ sports presenter Justin Treacy on Sunday, May 14 at Bob’s Bar, Durrow, from 7pm.

Michael invites all to come along to the event which will also be a celebration of communities in Laois but also in Kilkenny, Waterford and Wexford who play such a big part in this new book.

The book can purchased locally in The Card Stand Rathdowney, Manor Stone Garden Centre Junction 3, Bob’s Bar Durrow, Cullahill Service Station, Glanbia Ballyragget, The Book Centre Kilkenny, and All Books Portlaoise. Price €20. 

Pictures by Alf Harvey