Mayo Dragon boat ‘Cathriona’ is all shipshape again thanks to ‘shedders’

A much-loved dragon boat is back on the waters of Lough Lannagh following painstaking repair and restoration by members of Castlebar Men's Shed.

In bright spring sunshine yesterday morning, more than 30 members of the Grainne Mhaol Dragon Boat Club gathered to collect the refurbished 42-foot vessel, Cathriona, from the Shed workshop at the ATC complex.

Named in memory of former member Cathriona Hopkins, the boat required significant repairs after years of use in all weather conditions.

Work included replacing sections of the gunwale that had become badly rotted.

Transporting the large vessel back to the lake proved challenging, with local gardaí assisting with traffic management as club members manoeuvred it along the edge of town.

Club co-founder Louise Killeen praised the craftsmanship involved.

“Now our lovely boat is as good as new again”, she enthused.

Mick Keane, chairman of Castlebar Men’s Shed, said the repair project highlighted the wide range of skills among members and the positive impact groups such as Men's Sheds have on the wider community.