CREW CROSS IRISH SEA IN A NAOMHÓG
CORCA DHUIBHNE OARSMEN COMPLETE CHALLENGE
A CREW of Corca Dhuibhne oarsmen crossed the Irish Sea in a naomhóg and arrived safely in Wales on Friday night, completing the first major challenge in their momentous attempt to row from Ireland to Spain.
The Naomh Gobnait, whose crew includes Danny Mac a tSíthigh, Bréanndán Ó Beaglaoi, Liam Holden and Brendan Moriarty, began the voyage at the James Joyce Bridge in Dublin on May 23. From there they made their way down the Liffey to Dún Laoighaire Harbour. After a brief sojourn in the George Town Yacht Club they headed for Wicklow and from there made their way to Courtown and St Margaret’s in Co. Wexford.
Facing the Irish Sea, and heading south-east to Milfort Haven and Skomer Island, the crew waited for favourable winds before tackling an overnight crossing, accompanied by Paddy Byrne and crew who provided support in his yacht, An Seachrán.
The Irish Sea was described by the crew as a real test of endurance but they arrived safely in Wales and dedicated the 44-mile crossing to four oarsmen from West Kerry who made the journey in a similar vessel in 1958.
Their next stop is Lundy Island on the Bristol Channel.
The ultimate goal is the Camino pilgrim site of Santiago De Compostela in Spain and the crew aim to complete the epic vogage in three stages over a period of three years. The final destination of the first stage is Brittany where the naomhóg will spend the winter.
Those interested in following the voyage can access updates on Facebook by searching for ‘Naomhog na Tinte’.