The Ilen arrived at Foynes Yacht Club yesterday afternoon, its first time in Foynes since 1926! Designed by the late Conor O’Brien of Cahermoyle House, Ardagh, grandson of William Smith O’Brien and cousin of the Spring Rice family of Foynes. Conor lived out the final years of his life in his family’s home on Foynes Island (Barneen Point) where he died in 1952. After 70 years of inter-island trading work, the Ilen was brought back by a group of Limerick people led by Garry McMahon and returned to Baltimore in 19198. After 20 years it has been beautifully restored in the Hegarty Boatyard near Baltimore and in the Ilen Boat Building School in Limerick.
For 2020 a project has been devised acknowledging the Ilen’s first 60 years of life. During this time it was used as a freight and passenger vessel for the Falkland Islands and combines it with the central concept of her 2020 roles – four days as a youth educational vessel with the Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board.
Unfortunately due to Covid-19 restrictions the Ilen’s season has been shortened. We are delighted to welcome the Ilen to Foynes Yacht Club. Unfortunately the scheduled plans can’t go ahead in Foynes due to restrictions but hopefully we can reschedule at a later date.
The Ilen will depart Foynes on the morning time on Sunday.
