Currach was restored by inmates of Mountjoy Prison and donated to a charity to help young people – The Irish Times

A 40-year-old currach restored by inmates at Mountjoy Prison has been donated to Catholic social services charity Crosscare for use in their work with marginalised young people.

The Currach, built in 1984 by Derry Hedderman of Carraignaholt in West Clare, was launched on the River Liffey in a ceremony at the Garda Boat Club on Saturday morning. In a previous life, the traditional boat was raced by Martin Keating of Co Wexford in the 1980s.

Brian Cahill, senior officer at Mountjoy Training Unit, said the project was carried out by inmates in the prison's men's camp.

“We're very proud of it,” said Mr Cahill. “A lot of men were involved in it.”

He said the boat's name, Spleodar, was fitting. “It's Irish for exuberance or joy. And we thought the name suited the boat because it really embodied that, people were really into it.”

Sculptor and artist Mr Holland said the prisoners had “taken a lot away from the restoration process”.

“We have been working at the Mountjoy Training Unit for the last eight months, working with six or eight prisoners from the Men's Shed to turn this wreck back into a boat that used to be raced in West Clare and in Wexford and is now back on the river,” said Mr Holland.

“It will be used by children in Dublin and in the community,” he added.

In a statement, Chris Killeen, from Crosscare's Outdoor Learning team, said the currach would involve activity-based programs with service users. “We are very grateful to have this currach as a unique addition to the work we do,” he said.