Public Interest in Maritime Matters
There is a great variety of material coming into the programme now. It is very encouraging and underlining what I have always believed – that there is a strong public interest in the maritime sphere. I am looking at an extensive range of storylines which have arisen from listeners and readers of this newsletter contacting me. These range from ferries to maritime songs, from the removal of the Kinsale gas platforms to the problems of those who used to fish for eels but no longer have that opportunity, as Ireland appears the only country in the EU to have banned fishing for eels. That is just one of the topics suggested by listeners.
Sea Trials for Tom Crean
Sea trials are underway off Vigo on Ireland’s new marine research vessel, the Tom Crean, of which Marine Institute CEO Paul Connolly says: “Great progress on the building of Ireland’s new research vessel “Tom Crean” in Vigo, Spain. What a great platform this will be for the marine science community in building up our knowledge base on the ocean.” Photo shows the CEO at the stern of the new vessel. The Marine Institute has launched this year’s Oceans of Learning series, celebrating Ireland’s research vessels over the years.
Dursey Fisher and Men’s Shed
Allihies Men’s Shed on the Beara Peninsula in West Cork has built a new boat. They say: “We pondered & mulled over the name for our boat for the past month and couldn’t agree on the name. While the most active members were in attendance, we whittled it down to a short list and put it to a vote and Dursey Fisher won out.” Lovely looking boat.
Endeavour at New Ross
And we were sent a photo from New Ross, where Paul Healy was pictured with Endeavour of which he was quoted as saying (on Facebook): “She doesn’t half clean up well! I owed her a coat of paint, whatever this year has in store for us!! Let’s hope we can keep going!” The words of a fishermen which ring so true these days.
There is more maritime news on the MARITIME IRELAND RADIO SHOW FACEBOOK PAGE. For daily news follow me on Twitter: @TomMacSweeney
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