Almost the entire population of Inisbofin, along with many visitors, gathered at the island’s Old Pier on Monday to witness an historic moment as an old-style currach was launched from the slipway for the first time in decades.
The newly built currach represents a revival in Inisbofin’s long tradition of boat making, which it is hoped will see a return of regattas to the island.
The craft was built thanks to an initiative by the island’s community centre and County Galway VEC. Islanders had conveyed their concern about the disappearance of the once-strong tradition of boat building; County Galway VEC responded by providing the community with a part-time programme in currach-making.
Seosamh MacDonnacha, CEO of County Galway VEC, formally launched the boat on Inisbofin Pier. The boat was blessed by Fr Tony Neville from Claddaghduff. The islanders enjoyed a vision of times past as the course participants rowed out into the bay amid cheers and applause from onlookers.
The launch must surely have brought back memories for skipper Joe Cunnane as he and his son John were offered the oars to ply the waves. Cunnane was a champion currach rower in the 1960s. Now it is possible that his son will emulate him in a future regatta on Inisbofin.
“This boat was made according to traditional Inisbofin lines using timber, not canvas,” Padraig Ó Conghaile, course tutor, said at the launch. “The boat is designed for rowing as opposed to having an onboard engine.”
Course participants were presented with FETAC certificates in craft by Mary Kett, national co-ordinator of the Back to Education Initiative at the Department of Education and Skills.
“The importance of such programmes to smaller communities and particularly island communities cannot be underestimated as these communities often find it difficult to access adult education programmes due to their accessibility to the mainland,” said Eithne Nic Dhonnchadha, adult education officer with the VEC. “Such programmes capture the essence of economic rural development.”
The course was run in partnership with the development co-op on Inisbofin. Simon Murray, co-op manager, said it will give the islanders an opportunity to regain the craft of traditional boatbuilding, and with it the sight of crowds entertaining themselves watching the revived Inisbofin Regatta.
