A Galway hooker restored with the support of a city publican has joined the local traditional fleet on Galway bay.
Réalt na Gaillimhe or Star of Galway was built in Indreabhán, south Connemara, by the Cloherty boat builders in 1910.
It has been restored by Bádoirí an Chladaigh, one of the two clubs dedicated to Galway hookers in the city, with the help of Johnny Duggan of Taylor’s Bar.
Bádóirí an Chladaigh has been given the full use of the boat to add to a fleet of 14 traditional vessels.
Taylor’s Bar owner Johnny Duggan
“Since 2008, Bádóirí an Chladaigh has been given trusteeship of seven traditional Galway sailing boats within the community boat club,” the club’s secretary Peter Connolly says.
“ Of these, five have been built or restored or are in the process of being brought to full sea-worthiness,” he says.
Réalt na Gaillimhe or Star of Galway was built in Indreabhán, south Connemara
“These seven traditional boats will be joined by seven private boats to create a fleet of 14 boats, and each will represent one of the Galway tribe families,” he says.
“The community of traders in Galway's West will be responsible for the yearly upkeep of the Galway Hooker,” Taylor’s Bar owner Johnny Duggan says.
“ There is a massive natural respect here in Galway’s for the sea and this age-old tradition, but this will help to reaffirm and re-establish these links again,” he says.
