Boat-building project group looking for participants

Building on the success of their recent traditional currach project, Seol Sionna, a group that has grown out of the Kilkee-based West Clare Currach Club, is preparing to reintroduce classic wooden sailing boats to the Shannon Estuary. They are seeking people who are interested in becoming involved in the project. The training programme will be led by local shipwright Steve Morris.
The Seol Sionna project is an ambitious training project to build, a 24ft wooden sailing boat, evoking the small-to-medium class Shannon hooker that once sailed in the estuary. It is to be built for sail training purposes. The project draws on the extensive boat-building, boat-handling skills and local knowledge inherent in Seol Sionna membership. The project will be guided by expert advice in relation to Department of the Marine guidelines in boat design and safety.
“Along with currach building, we have been digging out old boats from the mud in Poulnasherry and recording local stories regarding boats and sailing on the Shannon. From this, a local group emerged with an interest in building a traditional hooker-type boat that would have been used on the Shannon Estuary in the past. Up to 20 sailing boats carried turf from Pounasherry to Limerick in 1700 to 1800s,” Richard Collins from the West Clare Currach Club explained. 
“Our logo is taken from a gravestone that dates to a local boat builder who died in 1843 on Scattery Island. On it a boat and tools are depicted. We hope this will be a project for the Shannon Estuary that brings all people near the Shannon from Limerick, Kerry and Clare together to celebrate our long sailing traditions. We are gathering old photos and articles and intend to share this to show just how numerous sailing boats were in the past and how important it is that we don’t let such rich traditions disappear,” he added.
Seol Sionna, in collaboration with local West Clare Learning Network (WCLN) members, is exploring the potential for a full FETAC Level 3 or Level 4 certificate that could be undertaken by some participants. 
The boat will be built in Querrin, overlooking the Shannon. It is planned that the boat will first set sail in about a year’s time.  
Anyone interested in participating in this project should contact Richard Collins on 087 6744550  or Trea Heapes on 086 3819 216.
The project is part-funded by the LEADER programme through the National Development Plan and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.