Curragh Racers

The Curragh (Pronounced "Kurrack" is an ancient design of Irish native boat. Generally constructed from a timber frame overlaid with leather and often waterproofed with pitch, the Curragh is an extremely light construction which bobs about on the ocean like a cork. Used mostly along the Western seaboard, men have been known to catch Basking Sharks using the Curragh as their only craft. Here today in CorkCity, several of them had come together if friendly but intense competition.

Rowing these boats is a heavy task. Notice that there are no swivelling rowlocks. The ora is simply located on a timber dowel. A simple form of construction which didn't require the expertise if a blacksmith or other metal worker. The oars had no blades which made for heavy work and required much experience in rough seas.