Two Connemara brothers are to undertake an emotional sea journey along the west coast – in their late father’s currach.
Dara and Jonathan Wallace, along with their friend and neighbour Colin Pryce from Kingstown, will row the currach from Westport pier to Clifden in aid of Western Alzheimer’s.
BY HANNAH GORDON
The fibreglass currach, known as the Queen, belonged to Paddy John Wallace, who developed Alzheimer’s at the age of 63 and later died from it. The 49-year-old currach is being brought back to life by Maurice Gordon from Claddaghduff.
The brothers are hoping their voyage – which begins on June 16 – will raise awareness of the disease and money raised will go towards medication for people affected as well as help to research a cure.
It’s a disease that affects 55,000 people across the country – and, according to HSE figures, another 4,000 develop it each year.
The currach journey will take the trio from Westport pier to Clifden pier via Clew Bay – and it will culminate in a BBQ at the Boat Club in Clifden, which everyone is welcome to attend.
Dara estimated that the trip would take ten to twelve hours – but others have told him it could take up to two days.
“Hopefully the weather and the tide will be on their side – or we’re going to be a long time out there waiting to come in,” he said.
The charity rowers are seeking donations for their cause, which can be made online at their iDonate page or by scanning their QR code with your smart phone. There are also collection buckets around Clifden.
Dara himself is no stranger to finding interesting ways to help local charities; he previously drove a Honda 90 up Ben Lettery and raised €4,000 for another cause.
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