Appeal for Sean McGowan's history-making boat to be saved for Limerick
CALLS have been made for Limerick's two local authorities to jointly purchase rower Sean McGowan's boat Tess, which is now back in Limerick.
Deputy Willie O'Dea said it would be a "travesty" if the vessel left the country, as two offers have been made by rowers outside the country for the full asking price.
Mr McGowan, 42, from Farranshone, made history this May when he became the first Irishman to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean in 118 days.
He is due to sell the boat within the next month for financial reasons, and offers from Germany and England have been made for the boat, at €20,000.
"I'd love to see it staying in Limerick," said Deputy O'Dea. "Perhaps the city council and county council could make a joint offer, or the regeneration agencies. It would be a travesty to have the boat located elsewhere when the man that achieved the feat is here in Limerick, and all his family have been involved in rowing for generations."
Tess, which is named after a neighbour of Mr McGowan's who passed away from cancer, was shipped from Antigua in the Caribbean this summer and brought back from Southampton last week.
His emotional and arduous journey reached its final conclusion on Friday last, when he stopped traffic to display Tess outside Shannon Rowing Club on Sarsfield Bridge.
"It's a very proud day for me as a Limerick man and a Shannon Rowing Club man to be here and show people the boat. It is a bit of history and right now she's going to be lost. I would hope she could stay in Limerick, but right now it's not looking too hopeful," he said.
Deputy O'Dea and Independent Cllr Kathleen Leddin are among those who hope attempts can be made to keep the boat in Limerick for historical reasons.
"I find it absolutely extraordinary somebody could traverse the world in such a craft. It's a fantastic achievement and we're all very proud of him. It's good news for Limerick; one beacon of light amidst all the doom and gloom," said Deputy O'Dea. Cllr Leddin said she will be putting a motion to City Hall to keep the boat in Limerick.
"We recognised the dock workers recently and there's no reason we shouldn't recognise this for the great feat it is. It needs to take pride of place in Limerick," she said.
Mayor of Limerick, Cllr Maria Byrne, and Minister of State, Peter Power, were among those to congratulate Mr McGowan on his achievement last week.
Minister Power said it was a "fabulous achievement of human endeavour, spirit and strength over the elements, which should be recognised both here and abroad."
Mayor Byrne said Limerick has always been a great rowing tradition in Limerick, and it was a positive occasion to see the boat being brought home.
The boat is due to be on display in Limerick for several weeks. A location will be specified in the coming days.
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Tuesday 22 May 2012
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