By Róise Collins
MEMBERS of the Rosses Men’s Shed have begun restoration works on an old currach which was displayed in Ionad Teampaill Chróine in Dungloe.
The currach was donated to the community by Doctor Declan Bonar when he retired from his GP practice in the town a number of years ago.
The ten foot long boat was hand crafted by Kincasslagh man, Andrew Mc Gonagle, who was renowned for his skills in making currach.
This is believed to be one of the last boats he made.
The men’s shed which has around 20 members who hail from all corners of the Rosses.
“We have members coming from Dungloe to Carrickfinn, Burtonport to Loch an Iuir,”explained Mr Patsy Boyle, who is leading the restoration of the currach.
“The currach was presented to the Ionad by Doctor Bonar when he retired and they have had it hanging up for years.
“It was getting a bit tattered looking so Anne Boyle from Ionad Teampaill Chróine asked the men’s shed if there was anything we could do to brighten it up a bit.”
“We agreed and decided to give it a bit of TLC,” he said.
Last week, members of the men’s shed collected the currach and carefully carried it down the winding staircase in the community centre.
“It was a bit of a job to get it down, and it’s going to be another job to get it back up again,” Patsy laughed.
Patsy explained how restoring the expertly crafted currach will be a challenge, as it is something they have never done before.
“We really didn’t know how we were going to go about it because it is something we have never done before.
“The currach is covered in canvass and tarred on the outside, and the wood around the main frame wasn’t too good looking.”
Once restoration works are completed the currach will be returned to Ionad Teampaill Chróine.
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