The Ilen Relaunch – History in the Making

30th May 2018

Ilen steaming down river to the Baltimore Wooden Boats festival. Scroll down for more photos and a pdocast

On Saturday I was at the relaunch of the Ilen at the Wooden Boats Festival in Baltimore, West Cork.

It was a special occasion, one of emotion and memories, but also pride in what determined people can achieve.

I have written before about them, this edition of my Podcast takes you to the ceremony at Baltimore to hear what it was like….

brother anthony ilen Afloat's Tom MacSweeney records Brother Anthony's dedication and prayers for the Ilen at her relaunch. Listen to the podcast below Photo: Kevin O'Farrell

This is a vessel which spans two centuries and was designed by Ireland’s legendary sailor Conor O’Brien from Foynes Island in the Shannon Estuary. After serving as a trading boat for 70 years in the Falkland Islands it was brought back to Ireland where it was returned to the water in the fishing village where it was built in 1926, Baltimore in West Cork. This podcast comes from the deck of the vessel as it was relaunched at the Wooden Boats Festival.

Please listen to the Podcast below…. this is an occasion when the written word is surpassed by the spoken.

Ilen launch oldcourt Ilen is launched at Oldcout (above and below) Photo: Kevin O'Farrell

Ilen Launch

Ilen Ketch Afloat

Ilen Afloat Oldcourt

Brother anthony Ilen Gary Br Anthony Keane and Gary Mac Mahon sitting on the cathead travelling down the Ilen River. Photo: Kevin O’Farrell

Ilen Baltimore Ilen arrives in Baltimore Photo: Kevin O'Farrell

Ieln cockpit Ilen's cockpit Photo: Kevin O'Farrell

Crew aloft Ilen A crew man is sent aloft on Ilen's rig Photo: Deirdre Power

Waiting to launch ilen Waiting for the Ilen launch ceremony at Baltimore Photo: Kevin O'Farrell

Ilen stern ‘Ilen’ is an old Irish word, meaning the inimitable way light reflects off the water Photo: Kevin O’Farrell

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Ilen

About The Author

Tom MacSweeney

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Tom MacSweeney writes a column for Afloat.ie. He is former RTE Marine Correspondent/Presenter of Seascapes and now has a monthly Podcast on the Community Radio Network and Podcast services

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