The Build
Building The Five Pilots (which is a St Ayle’s Skiff), was an adventure full of sawdust, laughter, and the occasional splinter! Under the expert guidance of Shipwright Steven Morris- a mentor with the patience of a saint (and the humour of a sailor), we learned the art of boatbuilding from stem to stern. You know the old saying, give a man a fish and he’ll eat for a day, teach a man to fish etc. etc.? Well, Steven taught us how to fish!
And speaking of fish, we couldn’t have done it without the Lyons and McMahon families, who generously let us use their old fish shop as our workshop. Without that space, we’d have been well and truly stumped— buíochas mór to them!
Of course, those old weekend mornings were a battle of willpower—some of the cold ones made it unappealing to even step outside—but somehow, the motivation and determination kept our dream afloat. Everyone played their part, and watching it all come together was almost emotional. We are so incredibly proud of what we built— not just the boat, but the friendships along the way.
Why “The Five Pilots”?
The tale of The Five Pilots is one deeply woven into the fabric of West Clare, particularly along our rugged and storied coastline. These brave men, skilled in guiding vessels safely through treacherous waters, met a tragic fate in May, 1873 when their boat was lost at sea. Their memory has never faded, carried forward through generations by the families who still call this peninsula home.
In this place where land meets sea, stories endure, passed down with reverence. The Five Pilots are more than a historical footnote—they are a testament to courage, sacrifice, and the sea-faring traditions that have shaped our way of life.
It felt only right and proper to honour these men by naming our boat after them. In doing so, we pay tribute to their unwavering bravery, ensuring that their story continues to be told.
Each seat bears a name- Michael Brennan, Thomas Brennan, Pat Carmody, John McNamara, and James Crotty. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha uaisle.
As we row these same waters, we do so, carrying forward the spirit of the Five Pilots and the maritime heritage they signify.
Paddy Murray’s Five Pilots Memorial, Kilbaha
“Before we ever built the boat, there was a great vibe and excitement about being involved in a project that would get people back out on the water. Fast forward 1 year, with The Five Pilots built and already many journeys taken, it feels amazing to go out rowing with members of the community- some of whom I wouldn't have even known otherwise. What a great future lies ahead!”
Marcus McMahon