Ireland's traditional 32ft clinker-built rowing skiffs - as used in times past by the Hobblers of Dublin Bay and many other areas – continue to be the flagships of the coastal rowing scene. But smaller communities, such as the former Pilot port of Carrigaholt at the seaward end of the Clare Coast on Shannon Estuary, find that when hoping to develop an interest in this form of rowing, the lighter shorter St Ayles Skiff can provide a useful starter boat that may be all that they need.

CONSTRUCTIONAL ADVANTAGE

The St Ayles boat has the advantage in that its straightforward marine ply broad-planked edge-glued construction can be undertaken as a group activity that generally requires only competent DIY skills, though perhaps with a more highly-trained mentor. But a traditional clinker-built skiff needs the input of a master boat-builder, as seen back in June of this year when the East Wall Watersports Centre on the north side of the Tolka Estuary launched their new classic skiff Patsy Junior, named for Patsy Whelan Jnr, the current main man in the distinguished Dublin boatbuilding family that created this masterpiece

The new East Wall traditional skiff Patsy Junior on a Tolka-side launching day back in June which suggested we might yet get a reasonable summer. If you think that boat-builder Patsy Whelan Jnr is looking somewhat gobsmacked, you'd be right – he didn't know that the boat was being named in his honour until he arrived for the launching. Photo: Cormac Lowth

Simplicity and style – the new St Ayles skiff under construction in Carrigaholt. Photo: Steve Morris

BOAT-BUILDING "BETTER THAN KARAOKE"

Currently, the leading area in the St Ayles movement in Ireland is Strangford Lough, where - some years ago - many of the lough's water-adjacent pubs (and there are many) began a winter programme for their customers to group-build St Ayles skiffs in one of the sheds off the pubs' yards. The word came back that it's better than a karaoke session every which way, although some of the more determinedly convivial inns did both, but usually not at the same time.

With first strokes under way, the new Five Pilots is headed for the ancient strongholds of the Mac Mahons guarding Carrigaholt's outer pier. Photo: Steve Morris

EALU IN "JOHN THE BAPTIST" ROLE FOR SALLY O'KEEFFE

Seol Sionnan built their St Ayles skiff Ealu in Kilrush Boatyardunder the direction of master-shipwright Steve Morris, and the new boat was busy during the summer of 2024 at the Brittany festivals in a sort of John the Baptist role for Seol Sionna's group-built 25ft gaff cutter Sally O'Keeffe. The Sally was sailing down across the demanding Western Approaches whereas the easily-trailed Ealu was taken on the Brittany ferry.

Meanwhile, the word was out that launching day for the Loop Head Rowing Club's Carrigaholt-built St Ayles boat would be Saturday October 12th at Carrigaholt, with all welcome to have a try at rowing the boat, and celebrations afterwards in Keane's Shed.

"LOOPERS ON TARGET"

You certainly give a hostage to fortune when you name such an event so far in advance. But the Loopers were on target, even if it was a sharp westerly breeze on the due date last Saturday to greet a significant attendance. This included key figures in the supporting Limerick and Clare Education and Training Boards who supported this initiative, with some of them being persuaded to have a go at the oars, and learn how a relatively modest investment can make such an effective and enjoyable impact on those involved.

A family project; (left to right) Brid Ryan, Muireann Ryan and Maura Cusack at the launching. Brid's husband (Muireann's father) Fintan passed away during the building of Five Pilots, and his name is on the bow seat of the Five Pilots in memory and appreciation of a great local man of the sea. Photo: Steve Morris

DOES COMMUNITY NEED A PURPOSE TO THRIVE?

In other words, community only really means something when all are involved or invested in doing a shared something, rather then simply hoping to be a thriving community based mainly on vague mutual goodwill.

That was seen in many ways in Carrigaholt in Satutrday where - on the water - West Clare Currach Club were very much in evidence with traditional boats that made for an interesting contrast with Ealu and Five Pilots. And in an un-planned but serendipitous link-up, a group of Scottish musicians staying in Carrigaholt serenaded the gathering afterwards in Keane's Shed to further emphasise the "Celtic Coast" theme.

Safe home – the Five Pilots back on the Carrigaholt slipway with sister-ship Ealu in attendance. Photo: Steve Morris