By Róise Collins

MEMBERS of the Rosses Men’s Shed have returned a historic currach to Ionad Teampaill Chróine in Dungloe following a full restoration.

The currach was originally donated to the community by Dr Declan Bonar when he retired from his GP practice in the town several years ago. Since then, it has hung proudly from the ceiling of the old chapel.

In recent years, however, the currach had begun to show signs of wear and tear. Keen to preserve this important piece of heritage, staff at the Ionad reached out to the local Men’s Shed for help with its restoration.

Local man Patsy Boyle led the project, with support from fellow Men’s Shed members from across the Rosses.

Speaking to the Donegal News, Patsy said they were very pleased with the outcome.

“When we got it, we really didn’t know what we were going to do with it but we’re delighted with how it turned out.”

The ten-foot-long boat was originally handcrafted by Kincasslagh native Andrew McGonagle, who was renowned for his skill in currach building.

In 2006, in a bid to preserve what he saw as a dying tradition, Andrew built six traditional currachs- one of which made its way to Dr. Bonar.

Yesterday afternoon, members of the Men’s Shed carefully carried the restored boat up the winding staircase at the Ionad and rehung it in its rightful place.

A special event was held to mark the return of the currach.

Members of the Men’s Shed were joined by Dr. Declan Bonar and relatives of the late Andrew McGonagle, including his brother Stephen and nephew Michael Boyle.

Michael even brought along Andrew’s original sketches from when the boat was first designed.

Also in attendance was local historian Pat Dunleavy, who gave a talk on the rich tradition of currach-making in coastal communities.

Pat himself owns one of the six currachs Andrew McGonagle crafted before his passing.