Ron O’Rourke tries out his new boat ‘Florence’ before she is conveyed to Rosslare Harbour for launch. Pic: Rosslare Maritime.

History was made at Rosslare Harbour on Saturday with the launch of a new boat ‘Florence’ took place at the Lagoon in the presence of a large number of maritime minded people.

A wooden boat built by local wood craftsman, Ron O’Rourke, over the last two years, ‘Florence’, which is named in honour of his mother, took to the harbour in style.

Family and friends were taken on short voyages around the harbour following the official blessing by Fr Diarmuid Desmond.

“It is the proudest day of my life,” said Ron, who added that the new boat will be used for pleasure purposes.