Christmas lights have been switched on traditional vessels restored and maintained by Bádóirí an Cladaigh in Galway’s Claddagh basin.
The strings of twinkly lights in the shape of sails were fitted on the gleoiteog Manuela, the leath-bhád Mearcín Joe, originally built by the Clothertys in Carna, and the gleoiteog Réalt na Gaillimhe.
Peter Connolly lifts Santa on board on board the Meaircín Joe at Claddagh Basin before the switching on of the Christmas lights. The annual Christmas lights display were placed on a small fleet of traditional vessels at Claddagh Basin in Galway city,. Badoiri an Cladaigh's Peter Connolly, Dara Bailey and colleagues worked with electrician Martin O'Neill on fitting the lights Photo: Joe O'Shaughnessy
The fitting over several hours last week involved a voluntary team from Bádóirí, led by Peter Connolly and including Dara Bailey, Ray Ó Béara and Eoin Durkin – who made up a Santa Claus to helm one of the vessels.
Electrician Martin O’Neill, who is responsible for all the Christmas lights across Galway, was there to assist with any loose connections, and to perform the “switch on” from his phone – to a loud cheer.
The annual Christmas lights display on a small fleet of traditional vessels in the Claddagh basin, restored and maintained by Badoiri an Cladaigh. Peter Connolly, Dara Bailey and colleagues worked with electrician Martin O'Neill on fitting the lights, and they were then switched on after nightfall on Wednesday evening to cheers from supporters. Pictured are some of the attendance during the switching on of the Christmas lights on the boats. Photo: Joe O'Shaughnessy
The entire installation involves not just a sacrifice of voluntary time, but the berthing in freshwater is not good for the boats, as Peter Connolly and Dara Bailey point out.
Bádóirí an Cladaigh also urgently needs better shelter for its boats, as the Claddagh basin infrastructure, including lock gates, requires investment.
“We have as many storms in the summer now,” Connolly pointed out.
“If people give of their voluntary time, and boat clubs do what they do, it is time the nation came in and said we need moorings outside and active working lock gates,”he said.
Bádóirí an Cladaigh, founded by Peter Connolly some years ago, provided vital support to Daragh Morgan of SwimÉire on his solo tidal-assisted swim around Ireland, which was completed in November.
