The traditional boat movement in Kilrush in south Clare on the Shannon Estuary is in such good heart these days that there are at least two specific organisations devoted to the cause. They may have some over-lap of personnel, but their objectives are separate and clearly-defined.
Seol Sionna has at its heart the very attractive Shannon hooker Sally O’Keeffe, while also encompassing local types and expanding to include the St Ayles skiff Ealu, with Sally and Ealu both getting to France last year.
One of the new Kilrush currachs under construction. Photo: Steve Morris
Very neat work – not all currachs are built with such precision. Photo: Steve Morris
But West Clare is a serious currach racing coastline, and now the developing Kilrush Currach Club is spreading its wings with a Leader-funded project building two four-handed currachs in Kilrush boatyard. All being well they’ll set out – on trailers - for the Maritime Festival at Pasaia in Spain’s Basque country close east of San Sebastian in May.
Boatbuilder James Madigan putting in time afloat. Photo: Steve Morris
Master boatbuilder James Madigan is over-seeing the efforts of the voluntary currach-builders, and Seol Sionna will also be headed for the Basque country with an interesting flotilla including currachs from both organisations, and a traditional Shetland yoal. But meanwhile if you’re trying to work out what a classic West Clare currach really looks like, the Afloat.ie Photo Inversion Service brings you the answer right here.
Don’t ask……just like that, here’s the real picture. Photo: Steve Morris
