|
 |
You are > Home > Rub-a-dub-dub… eight men in a tub
|
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Rub-a-dub-dub… eight men in a tub
AS EIGHT men stepped into a rather unstable rowing boat at the Promenade in Enniscorthy last Wednesday, pushing off into the uncertain waters of the River Slaney, nobody was sure what the outcome would be.
But ye of little faith.
After six hours ‘at river’ and 16 very sore arms later, the men arrived at Ferrycarrig flushed, dry and delighted with their effort. The reason for this sudden urge to take to the water: a project organised by the SouthWest Wexford Community Development Project (CDP).
“To encourage men into the group, we came up with this idea to get them to build a boat,” said Jane Caulfield, Development Worker.
“We couldn’t offer men a room and a cup of tea and expect them to come in and talk; it had to be more adventurous than that. So we put adverts in the newspapers and once one man heard about it, the word spread.”
Most of the men would have either been fishermen or had a connection with the water in their younger years, given that they largely hail from the Hook peninsula and Duncannon area.
However, it would have been a long time since any had stepped into a boat, never mind the bronze-age, Currach-style vessel they had undertaken to construct.
With the help of community artist, Andy McGarry, who has previous experience with similar projects, the boat was built during November and December.
“They then completed a safety training course and waited for the good weather,” said Jane.
The boat, which had been christened the St. Louis and safety tested in December, finally set sail with all its hearty’s aboard on Wednesday 18th July amid a strong wind blowing from the south.
“The Slaney’s current didn’t help on the day and the wind was against them,” explained Jane. However, these tough men of Wexford rowed on with determined resilience.
While essential food and rest stops were (of course) included in their journey, they reached their final destination after over four hours of rowing.
Some of them retired, others working part-time or with FÁS, and the majority over fifty years of age, this was no mean feat. Having finished the entire project, Jane says the feedback from the Men’s Group has been reward in itself.
“Talking to the men, they said they wished they had done this earlier. Where we are situated, we are a rural CDP. It’s not that accessible and people are in isolation. The project provided an outlet, especially for men maybe living alone that they could meet people, even just their neighbours, and socialise.”
The men involved also continued their involvement with the CDP after construction on the boat was completed, Jane added.
Some have gone on to do computer courses, others joined a horticultural group and more are working on a Community Employment scheme now, she said.
While the St. Louis currently remains idle, a discussion of its future pointed up that on certain issues the sexes will never agree.
“When I suggested that flowers be sown in it, I was told to leave the room!” laughed Jane.
Main News Page |
Previous Page
|
|
|
|
