Galway Hooker 'Mearcín Joe' Returns to Atlantic After Restoration

25th May 2023

The restored Galway Hooker 'Meaircín Joe' returned to the water last week, marking what has been described as “a significant milestone in preserving Ireland's rich maritime heritage”

A restored Galway Hooker has been named after two south Connemara brothers who built the vessel originally.

The Meaircín Joe returned to the water last week, marking what has been described as “a significant milestone in preserving Ireland's rich maritime heritage”.

It was named in honour of the two O'Clochartaigh brothers - Meaircín and Joe - who built the vessel at Mainís (Mweenish), Connemara, in 1987.

In late 2010, the late Judge John Lindsay and family in Dublin, gave permission to the Bádóirí an Chladaigh group, to bring the hooker to Galway to restore it.

“The rebuilt vessel, meticulously handcrafted by boat builder Joe Joyce, stands as a testament to the timeless beauty and resilience of Galway's maritime culture,” Bádóirí an Chladaigh says.

The restoration was supported by The King’s Head Bar in Galway and the Grealish family.

“The Meaircín Joe joins the growing fleet of Galway hookers, which are a fantastic asset to the city,” Paul Grealish of The Kings Head said.

Bádóirí an Chladaigh is supported Galway City Council, Cold Chon, Selos, Galway City Partnership and public fundraising initiatives.

Published in Galway Hookers, Historic Boats, Galway Harbour

Published in Galway Hookers

Tagged under

Galway Hooker

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