"Pirate Queen" will extend
tourist season on Clew Bay
19 June 1996
NEW FERRY LINK LAUNCHED
BETWEEN WESTPORT AND CLARE ISLAND
By TOM GILLESPIE
A NEW £500,000 state of the art 96-seater ferry has been officially launched by the Minister for Tourism and Trade, Mr. Enda Kenny.It will operate between Westport and Clare Island and is run by the O'Grady family of the Bay View Hotel on Clare Island.
Proprietors Chris and Kay O'Grady hosted the formal launching at Westport Quay where a large crowd turned out to view the new craft, aptly named "The Pirate Queen".
A number of guests were taken on the maiden voyage to Clare island, a trip which took 75 minutes, in what can only be described as ideal conditions.
The opportunitys which the ferry will open up for Clare Island as a tourist destination were spelled out by Minister Kenny.
He said the whole seafaring story of the Mayo coast over the centuries was a matter of pride especially to Mayo people and their countless descendants throughout the world.
He said: "Best known of all, of course, are the famous exploits of Grainne Uaile, the sixteen century pirate queen after whom this magnificent vessel has been named.
"Indeed, it couldn't have ben given a more appropriate title, since Clare Island, which she will serve, was Grainne's birthplace, and in as far as we know, the place she is also buried."
Minister Kenny said there could be no prouder man than Chris O'Grady of Clare island who had taken delivery of the "Pirate Queen".
He added: "And speaking of Mayo's maritime history, he can be equally proud of the part that he - and his father and grandfather before him - have played in that tradition for the past 120 years.
"They provided the link between Clare island and the mainland, as well as the life service in times of emergency, and today Chris, who already has fifty-five sea-going years service behind him can take great pleasure in having his own family in turn join him in the business.
"As Minister for Tourism I am particularly conscious of the importance that the introduction of the "Pirate Queen" will have for the servicing of Clare island with passenger as well as cargo.
"The matter of safety must of course take precedence over all other
considerations, and in line with the latest stringent regulations laid down
by the department of the Marine, the "Pirate Queen" comes excellently equipped."
Connaught Telegraph - News - June 1996
Connaught Telegraph - Sport - June 1996
