Cllr Wants Brendan Voyage Vessel Brought Back To Fenit

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A LOCAL councillor wants Kerry County Council to attempt to bring back the vessel used almost 45 years ago to trace the journey of St Brendan.

Fine Gael Cllr Jim Finucane had a motion before Monday’s meeting of Tralee Municipal District that, in light of the passing of Mr. Tim Severin last December, the Municipal Authority would seek the return of the vessel used on “The Brendan Voyage” into Fenit and that a purpose-built structure would be established in Fenit to permanently display the vessel.

Severin built a replica of Brendan’s currach and sailed it from Ireland to Peckford Island, Newfoundland, between May of 1976 and June 1977.

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In reply, Council management said the Brendan boat was donated to Shannon Heritage by Tim Severin over 40 years ago and is now exhibited at their Craggaunowen Visitor Centre, Co. Clare where a special building was constructed for it.

Attempts have been made previously to retrieve the boat for a Kerry location but these were unsuccessful.

Cllr Finucane asked that the Council try again and to open dialogue with The Hunt Museum in Limerick which, he said, decides where the vessel is located.