Hello there and welcome aboard this week’s edition of Seascapes the maritime programme, this week we hear about the future plans of Meitheal Mara; we have music from Gordon Lightfoot and the epic tale of “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” and a talk in the Poolbeg Yacht and Boat Club in the coming week titled “A Voyage for Madmen – the Golden Globe Race- 1968 to 2018 “ with Gregor McGuckin who has entered next years edition of the race, writer and broadcaster Norman Freeman takes us on a visit to Bray Head in County Wicklow , we have the winner in our Seascapes competition for that book on the “ Rivers Dodder and Poddle”....first this week on your maritime programme we hear about the future strategic plans for Meitheal Mara based in the heart of Cork city , the plan was launched in the splendid boardroom of The Port of Cork by Minister Simon Coveney TD ,Meitheal Mara was founded in 1993, the event was attended by over one hundred partners , supporters and sponsors of the organisation, in a moment we’ll hear from John Mullins CEO of The Port of Cork and from Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Vice Admiral Mark Mellett....Meitheal Mara is a maritime heritage community for young people and adults, we talked first to one of the founders , seafarer boatman and boat builder and maritime advocate Padraig O Duineen .....

Well from Padraig O Duineen of Meitheal Mara to John Mullins , CEO of the Port of Cork .....

The voice of John Mullins, Chairman of the Port of Cork Company, next to the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces – Vice Admiral Mark Mellett

Vice Admiral Mark Mellett at that launch of Meitheal Mara’s Strategic Plan for the coming years which was launched last Friday afternoon , you can read more about the organisation here.

Next here on Seascapes to the East coast and writer and broadcaster Norman Freeman on Bray Head.....

Writer and broadcaster Norman Freeman whose latest book “The Lure of Far Away Places “ is published by The Liffey Press and in all discerning bookstores.

We recommend you see Eugeen Van Mieghem – An exhibition of his paintings in ” Port Life “ at The Hugh Lane Gallery described as a fascinating visual account of the pulsating life of a working port at the beginning of the 20th century.

Van Mieghem’s work represents a social history, exploring themes of migration, globalisation, port society, the working community, and, the life of the artist .

Organised with the support of Dublin Port Company, the exhibition is part of Port Perspectives, Dublin Port’s arts commissioning programme to help re-establish links between the Port and the City.
The exhibition can be viewed Tuesday to Thursday 9:45 am – 6 pm, Friday 9:45 am – 5 pm, Saturday 10 am – 5 pm and Sunday 11 am – 5 pm. Admission is free of charge (voluntary contributions to the Gallery are appreciated). 

Next to an epic song on a maritime disaster from the pen of songwriter supreme Gordon Lightfoot and “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald”

The wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” written and performed by Gordon Lightfoot.....

The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has launched its new Seafarers web resource for all seafarers, fishers, recreational craft users and others looking to obtain certification or qualification in the sector.

The new website they state is “ intended as a national and international resource for information relating to seafarers, which includes those involved in commercial shipping, the fishing industry and the recreational craft sector.”

The site provides full details of the career structures available and how to obtain the necessary qualifications for work in the industry, as well as for recreational craft users.

The website hosts all appropriate application forms and also provides for the verification of qualifications, listing details of approved training course providers in Ireland.

The Department of Transport , Tourism and Sport says the Seafarers website forms part of a wider updating of seafarer education and training in Ireland, and is supported by a new Seafarers Information System, which provides for the registration of all seafarers and for life-long training and career development.

The department encourages seafarers who already hold Certificates of Competency or radio certificates issued in Ireland to register now on the new information system.

"A Voyage For Madmen"- The Golden Globe Race 1968-2018. An illustrated lecture by Gregor McGuckin, who has entered for the 2018 race, will take place on Thursday 2nd February at 20:00hrs at the Poolbeg Yacht & Boat Club, Ringsend,. There will be an entry fee of €5 in aid of the RNLI.

World Wetlands Day is coming up on February 2nd , and this year’s theme is ‘Wetlands for Disaster Risk Reduction’.

Wetlands play a vital role in mitigating the impact of extreme weather events.......that’s next Thursday “World Wetlands Day.....”

Finally to our Seascapes competition and the copy of “The Rivers Dodder and Poddle - Mills , Storms and Droughts and the Public Water Supply” by Don McEntee and Michael Corcoran and published by Dublin City Council and Four Courts Press - the first correct answer out of the Seascapes fedora was from Tessie McGettigan , Lifford , Co Donegal , Congratulations that book is on its way to you......many thanks for all your entries....

“ On the sound desk on Seascapes this week Bryan Fitzpatrick , next week here on your maritime programme we bring you a full report from the Volvo –Irish Sailing Association Annual Awards at the Royal Dublin Society Concert Hall in Ballsbridge , where they will present the ISA Training Centre of the Year ; Youth Sailor of the Year ; Afloat.ie Sailor of the Year and the ISA President's Awards; all that and much more .......so until next Friday night, tight lines and fair sailing.”

Hello there and welcome aboard this weeks edition of Seascapes the maritime programme, this week writer and broadcaster Hugh Oram on the River Dodder and we have a copy of “The Rivers Dodder and Poddle – Mills, Storms, Droughts and the public Water Supply“ by Don McEntee and Michael Corcoran published by Dublin City Council in our Seascapes competition, we congratulate lone sailor Alex Thomson on completing the Vendee Globe ....music from Ger Shine and “Seagull, we visit the Seascapes archive to celebrate the news that Open Water swimmer Stephen Redmond is to be honoured by the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame in April ,we have music from Jerry Early and “I’ll Go” .... first to the Dodder and writer and broadcaster Hugh Oram one of our longest serving contributors on Seascapes....

Prolific Author and broadcaster Hugh oram , Hugh's latest book is “Charmers and Chancers”...we have a copy of “The Rivers Dodder and Poddle – Mills , Storms, Droughts and the Public Water Supply” all we need you to do is name one of the co authors of the book , Answers on a postcard to Seascapes, RTE Radio 1, Fr Mathew Street, Cork or by email to [email protected]....

We recommend you see Eugeen Van Mieghem – An exhibition of his paintings in ” Port Life “ at The Hugh Lane Gallery described as a fascinating visual account of the pulsating life of a working port at the beginning of the 20th century. Van Mieghem’s work represents a social history, exploring themes of migration, globalisation, port society, the working community, and, the life of the artist.

Organised with the support of Dublin Port Company, the exhibition is part of Port Perspectives, Dublin Port’s arts commissioning programme to help re-establish links between the Port and the City.

The exhibition can be viewed Tuesday to Thursday 9:45 am – 6 pm, Friday 9:45 am – 5 pm, Saturday 10 am – 5 pm and Sunday 11 am – 5 pm. Admission is free of charge (voluntary contributions to the Gallery are appreciated).All those details are on the Seascapes webpage.......
www.hughlane.ie

A few weeks ago when we were speaking with Dr Deirdre Ni Conghaile of NUI Galway we played an extract from a powerful song “I’ll Go” by Jerry Early honouring the lifeboat men of Arranmore off the coast of Donegal here’s more .....

Stephen Redmond, of Ballydehob , will be inducted into the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame (IMSHOF) at an Induction Ceremony in London on 22nd April ........

Billy Wallace, President of the Irish Long Distance Swimming Association (ILDSA): “If ever a man deserved to be inducted into the IMSHOF it is Stephen Redmond. The amount of planning, training, and travelling he put into preparing for the 7 Oceans Challenge was incredible, and Stephen’s determination and Herculean strength and energy carried him through to become the first person in the world to complete all 7 of the worlds toughest open water challenges.

In 2012, The Tsugaru Channel was the last leg of his unprecedented completion of the Oceans Seven - and his first three attempts were unsuccessful ….. Over the course of three long years, Redmond completed the English Channel (20 hours 1 minute in 2009 between England and France), North Channel (17 hours 17 minutes in 2010 between Scotland and Northern Ireland), Strait of Gibraltar (5 hours in 2011 between Spain and Morocco), Catalina Channel (12 hours 39 minutes in 2011 in Southern California), Cook Strait (12 hours 30 minutes in 2012 between New Zealand's South and North Islands) and the Molokai Channel (22 hours 29 minutes in 2012 between Molokai and Oahu in Hawaii).

The IMSHOF (see imshof.org) was founded in 1971 and named induction classes from 1963. The current honourees are Billy Wallace, the Irish Long Distance Swimming Association, Ned Denison and now Stephen Redmond. For more information on the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame and the April 22nd induction ceremony, visit its website at www.imshof.org or its Facebook page.

Stephen Redmond spoke to Seascapes in September of 2011 about the Fastnet Swim which involved swimming from Baltimore to the Fastnet / Carraig Aonar and then to Schull a distance of twenty six miles....

Stephen Redmond who will be honoured by the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame in April , Seascapes talked to Steve at a Gala Dinner in the Grand Hotel, Fermoy in November of 2012 .....

Stephen Redmond – conqueror of the Oceans Seven Challenge who is to be honoured in April in London by the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame ......and those recordings courtesy of the RTE Radio Sound Archive.....

Music next here on Seascapes and this original from Ger Shine – “Seagull” taken from his album “All the While” produced by Pat “Herring “ Ahern ....

Seagull composed and performed by Ger Shine......

The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has launched its new Seafarers web resource for all seafarers, fishers, recreational craft users and others looking to obtain certification or qualification in the sector.

The new website they state is “ intended as a national and international resource for information relating to seafarers, which includes those involved in commercial shipping, the fishing industry and the recreational craft sector.”

The site provides full details of the career structures available and how to obtain the necessary qualifications for work in the industry, as well as for recreational craft users. The website hosts all appropriate application forms and also provides for the verification of qualifications, listing details of approved training course providers in Ireland.

The Department of Transport , Tourism and Sport says the Seafarers website forms part of a wider updating of seafarer education and training in Ireland, and is supported by a new Seafarers Information System, which provides for the registration of all seafarers and for life-long training and career development.

The department encourages seafarers who already hold Certificates of Competency or radio certificates issued in Ireland to register now on the new information system.

On the sound desk on Seascapes this week Bryan Fitzpatrick , next week on your maritime programme we hear about a new development on Spike Island and we’ll be hearing from Cork County Council , Heritage Officer , Conor Nelligan on an exhibition centre featuring The Aud ; also we visit Meitheal Mara and talk about their future plans which were announced this afternoon , and music from Gordon Lightfoot “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald”, so until next Friday night , tight lines and fair sailing.”

Hello and welcome aboard this week’s edition of your maritime programme Seascapes, we feature part one of Starboard Home a commission by Dublin Port Company drawing inspiration from the River Liffey and the port which was held in The National Concert Hall this Summer featuring a galaxy of contemporary musicians including Duke Special; James Vincent McMorrow; John Sheehan; Cathy Davey; Colm Mac an Iomaire; Richard Egan and Declan O ‘Rourke, so this week we hear from Gary Sheehan, Head of Programme Planning at the NCH how the whole project came to pass and the subsequent recording, we also talk to Paul Noonan of Bell XI and hear his composition Steel Ballet, Paul was producer of the album; “Kingfisher Blue “ from Paul Cleary, music and conversation with exciting new talent Lisa O’ Neill and “Rock the Machine”, lets hear first this composition by Gemma Hayes and “Caught in the Rapids” 

Gemma Hayes and “Caught in the Rapids” taken from Starboard Home next Gary Sheehan who is Head of Programme Planning at the National Concert Hall , Gary explained how the project developed ......

Well from Gary Sheehan to composer and member of BELL XI and producer of Starboard Home – Paul Noonan , Paul talked to Seascapes about his role in the project backstage at the National Concert Hall and his composition “Steel Ballet “....

Paul Noonan , we’ll hear next from rising new talent Lisa O’ Neill from Ballyhaise in Cavan .....and her song “Rock the Machine “

Our final offering for this week taken from the Starboard Home album celebrating Dublin Port is from Paul Cleary and this remarkable song .....

Paul Cleary and Kingfisher Blue from Starboard Home....

On the sound desk this week Bryan Fitzpatrick ...., every good wish  from all on Seascapes ......Next week here on your maritime programme, we’ll have music and conversation from “Starboard Home” with Richie Egan ; Colm Mac an Iomaire ; John Sheehan ; Duke Special ; and James Vincent McMorrow , that’s Seascapes with Starboard Home – Part 2 next Friday night , until then tight lines and fair sailing.”

Hello and welcome aboard this week’s edition of Seascapes your maritime programme, this week we’re featuring The Ha’penny Bridge” by Michael English published by Dublin City Council and Four Courts Press to coincide with the bi–centenary of the iconic structure that spans the river Liffey – the first cast iron bridge on this island and the first footbridge across The Liffey built in the Coalbrookdale Iron Foundry with the contract being signed two months before the Battle of Waterloo .........the book has contributions from historian Gerard Smyth ; Architect- Sean Harrington on its near neighbour the Millennium Bridge ; David de Haan, retired director of The Ironbridge Institute; Logan Sisley, Exhibitions Curator at Dublin City Gallery – The Hugh Lane; Annette Black and Michael Barry co authors of The Bridges of Dublin and Michael English on the shipping the black stuff and much else , it is beautifully illustrated and a superb production , so a few weeks ago Seascapes met up with Michael to discover more about the bridge built by John Beresford and William Walsh and its history and its remarkable construction at the height of the industrial revolution and how it got its name............

You are listening to Seascapes the maritime programme and our guest this week is author Michael English and the recently published story of The Ha’penny Bridge......

Michael English on the lavishly produced book on The Ha’Penny Bridge produced by Dublin City Council and Four Courts Press you can win a copy on Seascapes this week.......we have just the one courtesy of Four Courts Press , can you tell us the name of the two individuals who operated ferries on the river and had the bridge built to facilitate people attending Crow Street Theatre the premier entertainment venue of the period. Answers on a post card to Seascapes, RTE Radio 1, Fr Mathew Street, Cork or by email to [email protected].

Over the next fortnight here on Seascapes we re- visit the performances from “Starboard Home” commissioned by The Dublin Port Company and held in the National Concert Hall this Summer featuring Paul Cleary ; Paul Noonan ; Lisa O’ Neill so until next Friday night here on Seascapes as we approach the festive season, tight lines and fair sailing.”

Hello and welcome aboard this week’ s edition of your maritime programme, the one thousand four hundredth edition of Seascapes ...this week we talk to Dr Deirdre Ni Conghaile of NUI Galway one of the speakers at last weekend’s  Conference in University College Cork ; we congratulate yachtsman and offshore sailor Mark Light on being appointed as Race Director of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race ; Grainne McPolin on the Oyster Season in Tralee Bay and we hear the winning entries in the Write By the Sea Literary Festival held in Kilmore Quay earlier this year with “The Vigil” by Imelda Carroll of Wexford and “My Friend Never Saw the Sea” by Mary Kavanagh from Wicklow ....music from Jerry Early and “I’ll Go” marking the loss of lives to the sea off Arranmore Island in Donegal in 1940 and do make a note not to miss “Atlantic “ the excellent documentary from Richie O Donnell which is being screened this coming week on RTE One television on Thursday next 8th of December @ a quarter past ten.................First this week to Grainne McPolin who went aboard Solitaire in Tralee Bay a few weeks ago for Seascapes at the start of the Oyster Season ......

Grainne McPolin on board the Solitaire at the start of this years Oyster season ......

Former Derry-Londonderry skipper and offshore sailor Mark Light, 45, has been appointed Race Director of the unique Clipper Round the World Yacht Race...

An experienced sailor with many ocean crossings and over 120,000 nautical miles to his name, Mark competed in the Clipper 2011-12 Race as Skipper of the Derry-Londonderry team before becoming Deputy Race Director in 2012. With four years’ experience assisting the race planning, he is now looking forward to stepping up to the lead role, one of the most challenging that exists in global sailing.

Bird Watch Ireland launched a new report “ Life on the Edge “ Seabirds and fisheries in Irish waters .....last Friday which explores the interactions between fisheries and seabirds including the knock-on effects of food shortages on seabird breeding success; the impacts of seabird by catch and the opportunities to implement measures which will directly benefit seabirds.

A task force of is to be set up immediately to protect the Curlew, one of Ireland's most threatened breeding bird species. This was one of the main actions which arose out of the Curlew in Crisis workshop, which took place in Co. Westmeath in November. The workshop brought together almost 100 scientists and conservationists from across Ireland and the UK to discuss the crisis facing breeding Curlew in Ireland. Results from a survey funded by the National Parks and Wildlife Service over the last two years show that just 130 breeding pairs of this bird remain in the Republic of Ireland and that the species is facing extinction here within the next 10 years if emergency action is not taken. You can download a podcast of last week’s edition of Seascapes featuring Jim Wilson on the plight of the curlew...

Indeed I was on the banks of Lough Lein at the Lake Hotel in Killarney last weekend in magnificent weather and the range of bird life was wonderful including a resident curlew amongst the many other species....

Last weekend at the Maritime History Conference in University College Cork we met up with one of the speakers - musician, producer, broadcaster, writer and Research Associate, Digital Cultures Initiative, Moore Institute, at NUI Galway …… Dr Deirdre Ni Conghaile of NUI Galway .....we talked about her description of fishermen and coal miners being kindred spirits ......

Dr Deirdre Ni Conghaile , Research Associate , Digital Cultures Initiative, Moore Institute , NUI Galway ......as Deirdre mentioned ... “Atlantic “ is the new feature documentary from Risteard O’Domhnaill the film maker who made The Pipe . Narrated by Emmy Award-winning actor Brendan Gleeson, the film explores ocean resource mismanagement across Ireland, Norway and Newfoundland . When traditional fishing communities meet big oil and overfishing, what does the future hold ? Not to be missed......thats “Atlantic “ the excellent documentary from Richie O Donnell which is being screened this coming week on RTE One television on Thursday next 8th of December @ 10.15pm .

An extract from “I’ll Go” Composed by Jerry Early .....Remembering Arranmore islanders who lost their lives at sea in 1940 in the great loss of life at sea off the coast of one of our most beautiful offshore islands......you can download “I’ll Go” on itunes and read more on the Seascapes webpage.......

Next here on Seascapes to the winners of the inaugural Write By the Sea writing competition who are Imelda Carroll from Wexford for her prose piece, The Vigil, and Mary Kavanagh from Wicklow for her poem, My Friend Never Saw the Sea.”

Lucy Moore, Chairperson of the Write By The Sea organising committee, says “the judges, renowned writers, Billy Roche, Cat Hogan and Peter Murphy, were impressed with the high calibre of this year’s entries.......... So last week we invited Imelda and Mary to join us in the Seascapes studio to read their winning entries..first to Mary Kavanagh from Wicklow and her poem ...“My Friend Never Saw the Sea”

From Mary Kavanagh who is a keen radio fan to Imelda Carroll of Wexford who won the “Write By the Sea” literary festival in the short story category with her entry “The Vigil” ..

That’s it for this week here on your maritime programme....on the sound desk this week Bryan Fitzpatrick, until next Friday night tight lines and fair sailing”

Hello and welcome aboard this week’s edition of your maritime programme Seascapes – this week we preview Reggie Goodbody’s appearance on “Nationwide “ on RTE One Television next Friday by visiting the Seascapes archive and hearing about his life on the shores of Lough Derg as a boy and his memoir “Water, Wind and Wood” ......we take a peek at an exhibition of photographs by artist Marcella Rearden which opened earlier this evening on recalling a journey home as emigrants in the 1970’s on the MV Inisfallen the exhibition is titled “Acton Town to Cork City” part of the 2016 Centenary programme ....and what of The United Nations Mandated mission to the Mediterranean – Operation Sophia , we hear more from Captain James Robinson of The Irish Maritime Forum ...first this week to the CEO of The Mainport Group, a leader in the provision of marine services to ship-owners, exporters, importers, oil companies, seismic survey companies and others involved in the maritime trades it’s an Irish company based in Cork operating on a global basis, we met up with the CEO of the company David Ronayne to hear about the work that Mainports fleet of vessels does as three of their major vessels were in southern waters we began with Mainport Cedar ...

CEO of The Mainport Group – David Ronayne we’ll have more from David next week here on Seascapes ...

Next to the shores of Lough Derg and to sailor; yachtsman , boatbuilder and half hull model maker and author of “Water, Wind and Wood” – a good friend of the programme Reggie Goodbody features on Nationwide on RTE One Television next Friday night 18th November so we took the opportunity to visit the Seascapes archive and bring you this extract from our conversation with Reggie late last year....

The voice of author and half hull model maker Reggie Goodbody who is featured on “Nationwide” on RTE One Television next Friday night......
Next to artist Marcella Reardon from Youghal whose exhibition “Acton Town to Cork City” opened this evening in St Peters Church on North Main Street and runs there until the 20th December, Marcella came into studio earlier this week and we talked about family belongings which were packed for shipping aboard the Innisfallen in the early seventies and lay unopened in the family’s attic in Cork....

“Acton Town to Cork City “ by Marcella Rearden runs at St Peters Church , North Main Street , Cork until 20th December , you can see and read more on the Seascapes webpage .....

Thirty-two lives were saved from drowning through the brave actions of forty-seven rescuers who received recognition at Irish Water Safety's National Annual Awards Ceremony at the Print Works Conference Centre, Dublin Castle on Tuesday of this week.....

Representatives from the Irish Naval Service received rescue awards for saving thousands of migrants in the Mediterranean whilst on humanitarian missions. Long-Service Awards will also be presented, recognising years of personal service of 82 Irish Water Safety volunteers for teaching swimming, rescue and water survival skills in communities nationwide.

Speaking of the Irish Naval Service its to the Mediterranean we head next on Seascapes and talk to Captain James Robinson former President of The Nautical Institute and member of The Irish Maritime Forum we talked about the contribution made by the navy and Operation Sophia.....

Captain James Robinson of The Irish Maritime Forum on Operation Sophia in the Mediterranean ...

The Irish Federation of Sea Anglers are hosting the World Shore Angling Championships in Wexford from this weekend to the 19th fishing the beaches of the East coast.
This event is a major economic boost to tourism and the economy of the South East with 30 teams representing 18 Countries from around the world. So if you are near Wexford extend a Cead Mile Failte to the visiting anglers.............

That’s it for this week , on the sound desk this week Niall O’ Sullivan ...Next week here on Seascapes your maritime programme , Professor Hiram Morgan on a major Maritime History Conference in University College Cork with a disparate selection of speakers ; we bring you the 2nd part of our wide ranging interview with David Ronayne , CEO of The Mainport Group .......... the world’s largest marine park in the Antarctic ............ all that and much more here on Seascapes, until next Friday night, tight lines and fair sailing.”

Hello and welcome aboard your maritime programme Seascapes this week we have more from that recent Maritime Heritage Conference in Belfast with Christopher Kenny on “The Result” built in Carrickfergus , a Merchant Schooner , she had clipper bows and was rigged as a three masted topsail schooner and was launched in 1893 ........and a model of the vessel which is in storage but not for much longer we talk to the model maker a former ships captain Brian Harvey and Trevor Edwards we’ ll also be speaking with Commander John Gray of the Royal Navy .......Polar author Michael Smith from the Seascapes Archive on the Antarctic explorer Edward Bransfield from Ballinacurra near Midleton following Michael’s recent talk to the Cloyne Literary and Historical society........also the latest edition of Ireland’s only Diving Magazine – SUBSEA and a call to divers from Seasearch Ireland and the National Biodiversity Data Centre to record inshore marine biodiversity...............First here on Seascapes to that , and this young man Christopher Kenny from Carrickfergus where “The Result “ was built in Paul Rodger’s yard there and launched in 1893, it currently resides or indeed languishes at the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum .....

From Christopher Kenny to two gentlemen who attended the Maritime Heritage Conference in Belfast and had a real sense of déjà vu, I’ll let Trevor Edwards explain before we hear from former ships captain and model maker Brian Harvey , we spoke in Autumn sunshine alongside the graving dock that houses The Nomadic....

The voices of retired ships Captain Brian Harvey and Garden Designer Trevor Edwards ...
Well from that remarkable meeting after twenty years to this man Commander John Gray of the Royal Navy who talked to Seascapes about the proud naval traditions on this island and how he was called to a life at sea.....

Commander John Gray of the Royal Navy from the recent Maritime Heritage Conference held in the Titanic Quarter in Belfast..... just to say that HMS Caroline is temporarily closed to the public until the Spring and is well worth a visit ............we’ll keep you posted when it re opens ......we hope to meet up with Robin Ruddock in the coming months , Robin gave a very moving , passionate and thought provoking talk on The Drontheims , Robin is involved in the preservation , restoration and use of Drontheims on the North coast......

The Nautical Institute has announced that a new Chief Executive has been chosen to lead the organisation.

Captain John Lloyd MBA AFNI, the Institute's Chief Operating Officer and an Institute member of 30 years standing, will take over in May next year when Philip Wake OBE.....
Lloyd’s 16-year seagoing career began in 1975, gaining command in 1987 and spending two years as a marine pilot at Walvis Bay. His extensive experience in maritime education has included senior positions at Warsash Maritime Academy and Flagship Training in the UK, CEO of Vanuatu Maritime College and Professor of Maritime Training at the Australian Maritime College in Tasmania.
As Chief Executive of The Nautical Institute, John will be managing the resources of an organisation that has 7,000 members and over 50 branches around the world. He has been a member of the Institute for 30 years.

The Irish Federation of Sea Anglers are hosting the World Shore Angling Championships in Wexford from the 11th of November to the 19th fishing the beaches of the East coast.
This event is a major economic boost to tourism and the economy of the South East with 30 teams representing 18 Countries from around the world. So if you are near Wexford extend a Cead Mile Failte to the visiting anglers..............

Last week we brought you Cliff Wedgbury’s Ballad of Michael Smith well in a moment we’ll hear Cliff’s musical tribute to the Unsung Hero – Tom Crean ..first to the man of the moment who was honoured by the Irish Polar community recently in the Midleton Park Hotel in East Cork following an illustrated talk by the distinguished Polar author on Edward Bransfield of Ballinacurra .........this was originally broadcast on Seascapes to coincide with the publication of “Great Endeavours” back in april of two thousand and eleven ...courtesy of the RTE Radio Sound Archives...

From the RTE Radio 1 Sound Archives , that extract from Seascapes featuring Polar Author Michael Smith was first broadcast in April of 2011......

The voice of Cliff Wedgbury and his homage to Tom Crean.....

The latest edition of Ireland’s only Diving Magazine – SUBSEA features the anchors recovered from The Aud; John Collins on Protecting Philippine Reefs; County Longford Scuba Divers; HMS Lawford; Irelands Hidden Gems and an Update on Divers Against Dumping ; also we hear about a New initiative by Seasearch Ireland and the National Biodiversity Data Centre to record inshore marine biodiversity ;which they are recommending ...

· Take part in 5 dives at the same site from May to September

· Learn to identify and record the abundance of 96 common species

· Track changes in species abundance and phenology

· Highlight rare or unusual species in your local area. 

 Join a network of recorders across Ireland and gain access to specialist courses and material

· Take part in quizzes and receive training material to help expand your identification skills

Contact Seasearch Ireland or encourage your local club or dive centre to organise a training day.
Choose a site you regularly dive that can be accessed at least once a month from May to September. You can Contact: Seasearch Ireland by email on [email protected] or on the book of the face........or you can see these details on the Seascapes webpage....

“That’s it for this week on Seascapes, next week here on your maritime programme we have the first part of an exclusive interview with David Ronayne CEO of shipping company The Mainport Group, a leader in the provision of marine services to ship-owners, exporters, importers, oil companies, seismic survey companies and others involved in the maritime trades its an Irish company based in Cork operating on a global basis ; we talk to Captain James Robinson of The Irish Maritime Forum about the EU mandated mission in the Mediterranean which is Operation Sophia ; all that and much more until next Friday night ...tight lines and fair sailing.”

Hello and welcome aboard this week’s edition of your maritime programme Seascapes – prolific writer and broadcaster Hugh Oram brings us the story of Jacobs Biscuits from their earliest days in Waterford port in 1853 ; we talk to Lye Ogunsanya about the Migrant Offshore Aid Station limited edition bow ties marking their 2nd Anniversary and Bow Tie Day .......we hear about last week’s Maritime Heritage Conference in Belfast on Resources , Research and Restoration where we met several long term Seascapes listeners and contributors including Betty Armstrong ; Fiona Hicks ; Geraldine Foley and Peter Maxwell of “Mithril “ fame and Pat Murphy of “Aldebaran “ we’ll be hearing from Robin Masefield and Hannah Cunliffe - .......we preview the 16th Shackleton Autumn School in Athy Heritage Centre with a wide range of speakers and the launch of several books thats all happening this weekend and we have the winners of our An Post / Commissioners of Irish Lights 1st Day Covers packs ; .............. first here on Seascapes to the CEO of House of AKI-NA – Lye Ogunsanya who was in Cork earlier this week at the launch of Bow Tie Day in Cafe Velo supported by Provision Photography / Sail Training Ireland and yours truly as Goodwill Ambassador for Sail Training Ireland , we talked about Migrant Offshore Aid Station and their role in rescuing migrants in the Mediterranean ......

Lye Ogunsanya , CEO of House of AKI – NA , talking to Seascapes.

Well from Bow Tie Day to last weeks Maritime Heritage Conference in Belfast which focussed on Research , Resources and Restoration , the 3 R’s and had a full attendance with over one hundred attendees ........the gathering took place in the magisterial Public Records Office of Northern Ireland building in the Titanic Quarter .......we hear first from one of the organisers Robin Masefield .......

From Robin Masefield one of the organisers of the Maritime Conference with Gerry Brennan of Silvery Light lets hear next from Hannah Cunliffe of National Historic Ships ......

Hannah Cunliffe from Southampton one of the keynote speakers at last weeks Maritime Heritage Conference in Belfast , we’ll have more here on Seascapes next week about the Carrickfergus built vessel “The Result “ and we talk to Commander John Gray of The Royal Navy .....

The Inland Waterways Association of Ireland (IWAI) Kildare will host it’s now annual Naas Canal Festival from Friday October 28th to Monday 31st. A large fleet of boats is expected to assemble in Sallins Harbour on Friday followed by a parade along the Grand Canal, up through the flight of five locks into Naas harbour. The parade will leave Sallins at 10am on Saturday 29thand all boats should be in Naas harbour by 5pm.

The travelling boats will be assisted through the locks by staff from Waterways Ireland, IWAI Kildare volunteers and members of the 23rd Kildare – Sallins – Scouts, who are eager to put their lock training skills into practice. If you have never seen a lock in operation or never seen a boat cruise the canal, this weekend will not disappoint.

Next to writer and broadcaster Hugh Oram whose latest book “Charmers and Chancers” has just been published by Trafford Publishing ...Hugh has this tale about the production of Jacobs Biscuits , the early life of the company began in the shipbuilding and port city of Waterford making ships biscuits in 1853.....

An Post recently issued four new stamps honouring the Commissioners of Irish Lights. The new 72c stamps, a special first day cover envelope and booklet feature Irish Lights staff working on a buoy; a helicopter near Fanad Head Lighthouse; Irish Lights technology and the Irish Lights Vessel Granuaile. Designed by Dublin’s Vermillion Design, the may be viewed and purchased at all main post offices and online at www.irishstamps.ie

As well as maintaining more than 60 lighthouses around the island of Ireland, Irish Lights also provides and maintains specialist aids to navigation using advanced technology, protects the environment and supports the marine industry and coastal communities.

We asked you to answer this question in which county is Fanad Head Lighthouse located to win one of these fine sets courtesy of An Post and Seascapes, the correct answer was County Donegal ...

The winners are ....

Jean Duggan , Baldoyle, Dublin , 13

Peter Tiernan , Mohill, Co Leitrim

Fiona Moloney, , Dublin 18

Catherine Cooke, . Waterford.

Colm O Fatharta ,Inishmaan Aran Islands Co

Galway

Eileen Farrelly, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal

On Tuesday night of this week Seascapes attended a special evening hosted by Cloyne Literary and Historical Society at which Polar author and Shackleton and Crean biographer and distinguished journalist Michael Smith spoke about Edward Bransfield of Ballinacurra and the plans by Cloyne Literary and Historical Society to honour the seafarer and explorer from East Cork .........

Michael however was honoured himself by a legion of fans and friends with Polar connections which included Brendan O Brien and his sister Carol from Annascaul grandson and grandaughter of Tom Crean; wildlife guide and naturalist Jim Wilson ; actor Aidan Dooley ; John O’ Reilly of The Shackleton Exhibition ;

Jonathan Shackleton ; Joe O Farrell of Athy Heritage Centre ; Eugene Furlong ; Moses and esteemed publisher Con Collins of The Collins Press , artist Medbh Gillard , and actor songwriter and poet Cliff Wedgbury ...who recited this ............
..

The Ballad of Michael Smith.

"The old man said to the younger man, I wouldn’t be alive, If my father’s life had not been saved,

On his struggle to survive, When scurvy laid him on the sledge, In that wilderness of ice, When Crean and Lashly toiled each day,

With their selfless sacrifice. Michael wrote of a hero, But he’s a hero too, For bringing Tom Crean back to life, In a book for me and you.

Michael listened to the words, Brooke Evans had to say, About his father long ago, Marching day by day. Teddy Evans came back home, Scott’s second in command, Saved by Crean from death’s dark door, His lucky life was charmed.

Michael knew he had to write, A bold and unique tale, And tell the story of a quiet man, Who came from Annascaul. “An Unsung Hero,” hit the shelves, And a legend soon began,

To thrill the readers with a tale, Of a tough courageous man. Michael Smith researched a life, Of an unknown Kerry man.

The journalist from Fleet Street, With a very special plan, To sing the unsung hero’s praise,

To people far and wide, So we would know the story of, Crean’s bravery and pride. Michael wrote of a hero, But he’s a hero too,

For bringing Tom Crean back to life, In a book for me and you.

The Ballad of Michael Smith by Cliff Wedgbury, we’ll be hearing from Michael Smith on next week’s edition of Seascapes.....and more about that special night in Midleton

This weekend the 16th Annual Shackleton Autumn School is taking place in Athy Heritage Centre which houses the Shackleton Museum and in the square you can see the magnificent sculpture of Sir Ernest Shackleton erected in August , the Cabin from The Quest – is due to be installed in the Museum next year...

Speakers include John Killingbeck ; Frank Ngent ; Meredith Hooper; Kari Herbert and Dr Huw Lewis Jones ; Dr Rusell Potter on “Finding Franklin – The story of the 165 year search” ; Simon Stephens on the conservation and travels of The James Caird”; Mick Conefrey on what makes a successful explorer...more detail on www.shackletonmuseum.com .

"The Road to Rio Paralympic Sailing"-An illustrated lecture by Dr Austin O'Carroll will take place onThursday 3 rd November @ 20:00hrs at the Poolbeg Yacht & Boat Club, Ringsend, Dublin 4. There will be an entry fee of €5 in aid of the charity organisation, Safetynet......thanks to Seamus Mac Gearailt for this notice.....

“ That’s it for this week here on Seascapes next week more on that conference in Belfast and the story of “The Result “ built in Carrickfergus we’ll be talking to Christopher Kenny we’ll be hearing from Trevor Edwards and Brian Harvey ......we meet Commander John Gray of the Royal Navy in Northern Ireland alongside the graving dock which is home to the Nomadic and the last surviving vessel from the Battle of Jutland –HMS Caroline both of which may be seen in the Titanic Quarter and Chris Corken of Belfast Metropolitan College ................we’ll also be featuring Polar expert and distinguished author Michael Smith who was honoured in Midleton this past week in a This Is Your Life style event engineered by Eugene Furlong ....and the latest edition of SUBSEA – Ireland’s Only Diving Magazine..all that and much more , until next Friday night , tight lines and fair sailing.”

Hello and welcome aboard this week’s edition of Seascapes, your maritime programme, this week we remember diver, seafarer and trade unionist Des Brannigan ; we hear from Ron Coveney at the naming ceremony of a new Atlantic 85 lifeboat to Crosshaven RNLI Station – “John and Janet” which took place early last month ; Bow Tie Day and Migrant Offshore Aid Station celebrating their 2nd Anniversary and how you can get involved ; plus a special night in Midleton celebrating Edward Bransfield from Ballinacurra with author Michael Smith and news of the Annual Shackleton Dinner planned for Cobh this year on the 22nd of December ; we have special First Day Covers Irish Lights stamps and Prestige booklets recently issued by An Post in a special presentation pack for Seascapes listeners in our competition ................. first on Seascapes this week to the recent presentation by Sail Training Ireland and the Port of Cork as part of the Cork Sail Training Bursary scheme for this year , vessels used were “Morgenster” and “The Spirit of Oysterhaven “ also in attendance on the day was Seamus McLoughlin , Chairman of Sail Training Ireland; Commodore Hugh Tully, Flag Officer Commanding the Naval Service ; Brendan Keating , CEO of The Port of Cork ,and outgoing manager of Sail Traing Ireland the genial Michael Byrne.... first we hear from Youth Officer aboard the Spirit of Oysterhaven Aoibh Deane ........

From Aoibh Deane, Youth Officer to Oliver Harte ......

The voice there of Oliver Harte of the Spirit of Oysterhaven.....

The Cork Sail Training Bursary Scheme is supported by Cork City Council; Cork County Council ; National Maritime College of Ireland; Ardmore Shipping ; Irish Institute of Master Mariners and EMC2 , on Friday 28th of this month we’d like you to wear a bow tie to work to mark the 2nd Anniversary of Migrant Offshore Aid Station and spread awareness of the work the they do in the Mediterranean , you can see and read more on the Seascapes webpage........this initiative is being supported by Provision Photography / House of AKI-NA /Sail Training Ireland and yours truly...you can read and see more on facebook

A new Atlantic 85 lifeboat for Crosshaven RNLI named John and Janet was launched early last month in Crosshaven, The new lifeboat, an Atlantic 85 is the latest version of the B class, introduced into the fleet in 2005. She is powered by two 115horsepower engines and has a stronger hull and greater top speed than her predecessor. The added radar allows the crew to operate more effectively in poor visibility and she also has VHF direction-finding equipment. Lets hear from Conor Curtin , Divisional Operations Manager with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution ...

The lifeboat which went on service in June this year was funded by an anonymous donor. Irish marine journalist and broadcaster Tom MacSweeney represented the donor at the naming ceremony and service of dedication and handed the lifeboat into the care of the RNLI.Ron Coveney spoke to Tom at the ceremony .....

The lifeboat was named by young Paddy Crowley, son of the late Con, a long serving and much loved helm at Crosshaven RNLI who died suddenly last year.

In 2015, Crosshaven RNLI launched 42 times and rescued 50 people. The new lifeboat replaces Miss Betty, the station’s first permanent lifeboat, which was on service in Crosshaven since the station was formally established 14 years ago. Lets hear from , Patsy Fegan, Crosshaven RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager

A word next from helmsman Paddy Quinlan ....

Thanks to ace reporter Ron Coveney who attended that naming ceremony at Crosshaven RNLI Station of the new Atlantic 85 Lifeboat launched early last month .......

The Ernest Shackleton Autumn School will run from the 28th October to the 31st October at the Athy Heritage Centre / Shackleton Museum in his home county featuring a
Wide range of speakers on a diverse set of related topics ........

Distinguished Polar Author Michael Smith is due to give a talk hosted by Cloyne Literary and Historical Society on Edward Bransfield (1785 to 1852) of Ballinacurra in the Midleton Park Hotel on Tuesday 25th October commencing at 8pm, admission is €5 euro.

Speaking of Shackleton the Annual Shackleton Dinner takes place on the Thursday 22nd of December , this year the venue is in Cobh at The Sirius Centre , more detail from John O Reilly who may be contacted on
BBC CO SIG

Jim Rees writes to let us know that Arklow Maritime Museum's new website is up and running.

This week's Seascapes podcast features distinguished writer, poet and playwright Dermot Bolger in conversation with Marcus Connaughton about his recent novel "The Lonely Sea and the Sky" inspired by his late father's career at sea and the story of the MV Kerlogue.