Athlone, which for many years appeared to turn its back on the river to which it owes its existence, is beginning to make amends for the sins of the past.
This year the Heineken Athlone People's Regatta will begin a week early with a special Millennium All-Stars competition which will feature events on and off the water.
From Monday next, the All-Stars Challenge will begin to test the mettle of both male and female athletes.
The Athlone People's Regatta Committee has invited sports and social clubs spanning the entire spectrum of Irish life to participate.
The competition will feature basketball, gymnastics, cycling, athletics, bowling and rowing. The events will continue for the rest of the week in the run-up to June 25th.
It begins with the traditional children's fishing competition, which normally attracts upwards of 100 youngsters.
The band of the Western Command will play on the town square before the fun and frolics of the raft race gets under way in the mid-afternoon.
There are actually two raft races, a super-raft race and a fancy dress one over 1,500 metres. In case of accidents, Athlone Sub-Aqua club provides a safety net for the careless.
Swimmers from all over the country will be competing in the fourth annual Shannon swim, and both events will finish at the Town Bridge.
In addition, there will be street theatre provided by Tonnta, which will use a Disney theme this year.
Anyone interested in taking part in any of the events should contact Rosemarie Tully at 090295255.