Three Kilkenny men prepare for an exciting adventure
Pat Comerford, Paul Palmer,and Pat Sweeney are taking part...
Pat Comerford, Toore, Paul Palmer, Ballyouskill and Pat Sweeney, a proud Achill man now living in Kilkenny, are embarking on a mission where the trip plans to row their Achill Curragh on a couple of voyages.
Stage one starts in Maganey Lock to Borris Lock. Stage two commences at Achill Sound and finishes at Dereens.
The public launch of the Currach was held in the Castle Arms Hotel, Durrow. This novel event is being run with Teac Tom and Achill Island RNLI chosen as beneficiaries from the funds raised.
The trio would like to thank everyone who came to support them at the launch and who made it a special night. They would especially like to thank sponsors and all who have donated to the charities to date. Special thanks went to Fr Eamonn O’Gorman for blessing the boat and Clive Doody who represented Teac Tom on the night and gave an exceptional talk on Teac Tom and how they serve the community. Now it’s full steam ahead for rowing the Barrow on July 5.
The name of the Currach, An Bídeach, was carved in bog oak. The name of the boat is in memory of Pat Sweeney’s granny who had a small boat in Achill, which was called An Bídeach. According to Pat Sweeney it means tiny and dainty. An Baídín Bídeach means a tiny dainty boat. The carved lettering was filled with white epoxy resin and sanded down. It was then recoated with clear epoxy resin.