A traditional 40-year-old currach, refurbished by prisoners at Mountjoy Prison, has been donated to the Catholic charity Crosscare, where it’ll be utilised in their efforts supporting less privileged youth.
Originally constructed in West Clare by local Derry Hedderman back in 1984, this currach was re-launched on the River Liffey at the Garda Boat Club in a special event held on a Saturday morning. Historically, the vessel served as a racing boat in the 80s, with Martin Keating from Wexford at the helm.
Brian Cahill, who leads the Training Unit at Mountjoy, shared that the restoration was carried out by participants in the Men’s Shed programme at the prison. “This is something we take great pride in,” Cahill expressed, adding that it was a collective effort involving several men.
The boat was christened ‘Spleodar’, which is Irish for joy or exuberance. Cahill added that this name felt apt, as the involvement and drive displayed by people in the project truly embodied the spirit of joy.
Offering his perspective, artist and sculptor Holland stated that the restoration was a rewarding journey for the prisoners. “For the past eight months, we’ve been engaged in restoring this vessel, transforming it from a wreckage to a seaworthy boat that once raced in Wexford and West Clare – now making its return to the river,” Holland noted. He further added that the currach will now serve the community’s youth in Dublin.
Crosscare’s Outdoor Learning team expressed their gratitude for the currach, stating that it will be used in service user activities. Chris Killeen, of the team, added, “We are extremely grateful for this distinctive addition to our work.”