The continuing revival in traditional boat-building in Connemara was celebrated at the launch of two hookers yesterday in Carna, Co Galway.
In a ceremony which coincided with the feast day of the local patron saint, St Mac Dara, the boats were blessed following midday Mass on Mac Dara's Island before their official launch from Mas pier on the mainland.
The boats, a leathbhad and a gleoiteog, were built under the Saortha Bad Chonamara training scheme, which is funded by the EU Horizon programme and Udaras na Gaeltachta.
The leathbhad was built in Carna under the guidance of boatwright Colm O Maoilchiarain and the gleoiteog was built in Leitir Moir under the guidance of boatwright Seosamh O Rainne.
