Slow Duck race, but winner alright

The winners of the Kilcullen Lions Duck Race today were the Farrell family, whose quacker crossed the line a good stretch ahead of the rest of a field of 614 contenders, writes Brian Byrne. A steward's enquiry was called when it was realised the duck had floated upside down, but the judges subsequently deemed that not to be against any rules.

They also noted that there were many and varied float techniques employed by ducks taking part in the competition for the Ilex Anatidae trophy, considered the Cheltenham Gold Cup of duck racing.  

Keara O'Connor accepts the 1st prize on behalf of the Farrell family, from Frances Clare of the Kilcullen Lions.

The owner of the second-place duck was Conor Behan, while the McCawley family secured third place in a race where competitors found it hard to keep up with the race commentary from the Lions enclosure on the bank. A number fell foul of the rushes on the Market Square building side of the river, despite the best efforts of paddling beaters from Kilcullen Canoe Club.

Conor Behan with his second prize.

Lucy McCawley and her mother Emma with third prize.

A very large crowd of racegoers lined both banks and the bridge to watch the event, which concluded the festivities of the KCA-organised Fairy Trail Family Fun Day 2025.

A side competition organised by the Lions, to guess the number of sweets in a jar, was won by Ava and Harvey.

Ava and Harvey won the jar of sweets.

The proceeds of the race will be divided between St John's Oncology Ward in Crumlin Hospital and local charities in the Kilcullen area.

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