An tSuca (The Suck) - a look at the history and mythology associated with the River Suck which runs from the Roscommon/Mayo border to the River Shannon in County Offaly. The River Suck is one of Ireland’s least known rivers but this gem is one of the most important rivers in Connacht, stretching along a meandering course from its source at Lough O’Flynn on the Roscommon/Mayo border to where it enters the River Shannon at Shannonbridge in County Offaly. The Suck is the natural boundary between the counties of Galway and Roscommon and is steeped in archaeology, history and folklore. Many of Ireland’s heroes were born on the Suck – Douglas Hyde, Eamonn Ceannt and Fr Edward Flanagan of Boys Town fame amongst them. The seat of the last High Kings of Connacht, the O’Conors, was situated at Clonalis House on the Suck and a wooden bridge at Derrycahill beside a deserted famine village also gives a real sense of times gone by. The River has also moved with the times. A modern fishing bay for those with access disability lines a half mile stretch of water near Donamon Castle, the oldest inhabited castle in Ireland. The Ballinasloe-Shannonbridge waterway has also opened in recent years allowing navigation of the final leg of this wonderful river. Our journey on the River Suck is a refreshing evocation of Irish history and culture, folklore and topography, and the enduring beauty and character of the West of Ireland.