There was a striking sight on the Nore in Kilkenny City last weekend as two very different boats combined for a memorable race.
Made in the Achill style by Pat Comerford and Pat Sweeney, the currach took to the Nore for the first time in the culmination of a year-long fundraising campaign in aid of Teac Tom.
The curragh went up against the local dragon boat team, a sport rooted in the Chinese tradition, for a friendly race that had been postponed since last year.
Unsurprisingly, the 12-strong dragon boat ladies came out on top against the three rowers in the currach, but a great time was had by all involved during the hours that the vessels were on the water.
The currach was built last year outside Ballyragget as a fundraising effort for Teac Tom and also Achill Island RNLI.
In that time it’s taken to the water on the Barrow, the Shannon and even the Atlantic around Achill before its maiden voyage on the Nore.
The fundraising has been a huge success with a cheque for €62,000 split between the two charities in December.
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