Olivia Cosgrove, Chairperson of the Row the Erne with Frank McManus Chairperson of the Fermanagh Trust
THE Fermanagh Trust has expressed its delight at awarding a grant to the ‘Row the Erne’ project.
Row the Erne is a community based organisation empowering people of all abilities and ages to build and row traditional craft on the Erne Waterway System.
The financial support from the Fermanagh Trust will go towards building a 33ft curach and towards rowing activities on the Erne this summer.
The planned 10 man curach – a wooden framed Irish boat, with two sails is based on what would have been used on Lough Erne in the 5th century.
The project is open to all members of the community, with a particular focus on people with disabilities, low income families and women and girls.
Row the Erne grew out of a very successful trip that was made by the famous Colmcille curach to the Erne Waterways in the summer of 2013.
The boat sparked local interest in traditional boat rowing as a new activity that helps promote equality, where young and old can experience Lough Erne rowing side by side.
Olivia Cosgrove, Chairperson of Row the Erne said: “We’re really excited about our project and grateful to the Fermanagh Trust for their support.
“Our aim is to build a 33ft curach, promote interest and understanding of our marine heritage and develop boat building skills, so that the knowledge and activities will continue to grow and be passed on. We want to involve people from all ages and walks of life in a physical experience that will contribute to health and wellbeing and also foster new types of activity on the Erne, increasing enjoyment and use of the waterway in a safe team based environment.”
Row the Erne are involved with a number of local organisations and have a series of events planned over the summer. Once the curach is launched in August there will be regular weekly rowing expeditions throughout the waterway with specific days for juniors, women and families. To get involved with the project visit www.rowtheerne.com.
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