Kilrush men’s shed builds currach

KILRUSH Men’s Shed recently completed the construction of a traditional West Clare two-man working currach.

The canoe, as they are known locally, was built by 10 men for two hours one evening a week, over the winter months. Dimensions for the canoe were provided by local man Alan Madigan, whose grandfather was a traditional currach builder. The build was undertaken at the Limerick and Clare ETB Adult Education Centre, under the supervision of woodwork teacher Diarmuid Whelan.

The canoe has a wide beam, high bow and large capacity for cargo and would be typical of the design of the Scattery Island two-man canoe. The canoe competed in Cork’s Ocean to City race over a 22km course last weekend. It was rowed by class participant Patrick Clancy and Diarmuid Whelan