“The success of the concept of Coiste an Asgard was certainly evident on my short visit on board. At a time when so much derisory comment is made about youth (in all countries) here is one organisation with a constructive approach.” (Link page 20):
https://www.celticleague.net/…/Carn%2046%20Summer%201984%20…
I wrote the comment after visiting the Irish sail training vessel Asgard II in Peel on Monday the 19th March 1984 and interviewing her Captain Eric Healey. The Brigantine Asgard II sailed for over another two decades providing sail training and seagoing experience to hundreds of young men and women before sinking in the Bay of Biscay in 2008 (no hands were lost).
Recalling the words I was interested to read the comment in this article by Lorna Siggins in the Irish Times writing about Ireland’s women mariners and the quote from Ireland’s first Master Mariner Capt Sinéad Reen who says:
“A 10-day trip on the State’s sail training ship Asgard II was a defining experience, and her eyes light up as she remembers the impact it had on her. “I got sea sick – I still do – but I just loved it,”
Link:
https://www.irishtimes.com/…/meet-ireland-s-first-female-ma…
Seems I was spot on that March morning on Peel breakwater ‘many years ago’.
Footnote: Coiste an Asgards work is carried on by ‘Sail Training Ireland’ who offer training trips for 15-30 year olds on a variety of vessels (link):
http://sailtrainingireland.com/
Bernard Moffatt
Assistant General Secretary
Celtic League
