Laois launch for epic Kilkenny and Mayo currach adventure

Anton McNulty
By Anton McNulty
Published 15th May 2024, 09:33 GMT
Achill native Pat Sweeney helped build a traditional Achill currach in Kilkenny to raise fund for two charitiesplaceholder image
Achill native Pat Sweeney helped build a traditional Achill currach in Kilkenny to raise fund for two charities

Traditional Achill currach built in Kilkenny to be launched in Durrow

Currachs are a symbol of Ireland's west coast but a currach built in Kilkenny will be the vessel from an epic fundraiser this summer which will be launched in Laois.

Mayo man Pat Sweeney and Pat Comerford from Ballyragget, Co Kilkenny along with other friends formed the charity Pulling Together to Save Lives have built a traditional Achill currach in aid of Teac Tom Mental Health Services helping to prevent suicide and Achill RNLI saving lives at sea.

Neither of the two Pats or their friends had ever built a currach before but nine months ago they decided to build one based on the design of an Achill currach.

It was difficult to find plans to build a currach as generally the craft is handed down from father to son so the two men went to Achill to study and measure a currach and set to work. What is unique about the midlands currach is that it is built with nine or ten kinds of timber but a traditional Achill currach is made of yew wood while the midlands currach is mostly made of oak, teak, Irish walnut amongst others. more below picture.placeholder image
It was difficult to find plans to build a currach as generally the craft is handed down from father to son so the two men went to Achill to study and measure a currach and set to work. What is unique about the midlands currach is that it is built with nine or ten kinds of timber but a traditional Achill currach is made of yew wood while the midlands currach is mostly made of oak, teak, Irish walnut amongst others. more below picture.

Over the last couple of months the men have been busy constructing the currach together and it will be soon ready to launch and put into the water. The seats of the boat are carved with the names of the builders in Irish by Aaron Purser, Burren Woodcraft, Co Carlow with an extra seat planned for ‘Cairde’ friends.

The public launch will be held in the Castle Arms Hotel in Durrow on June 7 at 8pm when the public can the unique piece of carpentry and workmanship and meet the lads for a chat. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

The plan after that is to take to the water. First with a row in the River Barrow from July 5 to 7 and then the currach will head west and see how it survives the waters of the Atlantic around Achill Island on July 19.placeholder image
The plan after that is to take to the water. First with a row in the River Barrow from July 5 to 7 and then the currach will head west and see how it survives the waters of the Atlantic around Achill Island on July 19.

A big group from Kilkenny and Laois plan to travel to Achill to take the currach on the water and they also look to attend the Inishturk Regatta.

The currach supports three rowers but with the aim to raise funds for charity, people are invited to take turns to row with them to raise some funds for these essential services.

More information is available on their Facebook page ‘Pulling Together To Save Lives’ and donations can be made on www.idonate.ie.

Related topics:KilkennyRiver BarrowRNLIMental Health
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