A RECEPTION was held at Howth Yacht Club recently where a replica of the Asgard Dinghy was handed over to the National Museum of Ireland.
The Asgard Volunteer Committee – Walter McGuirk, Neville Maguire, Mike Alexander, Paddy Barry, Pat Murphy and Rory McGuirk – made the presentation at a ceremony attended by newly appointed Minister for the Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys.
Colin Archer, the renowned Norwegian naval architect and shipbuilder, built the Asgard in Norway in 1905.
The yacht was a wedding present for Erskine and Molly Childers from her parents in Boston. Under the direction of John Kearon, traditional boat conservator, the Asgard has been meticulously conserved and restored to its original splendour, and is on public view at the National Museum of Ireland – Decorative Arts & History, Collins Barracks.
However, up until now, a notable missing component of the exhibit was the splendidly designed dinghy that was part of Asgard’s inventory when launched in 1905.
John Kearon, while researching in Norway, discovered the plans of both the Asgard and her dinghy.
John and his colleague Ollie Ward began building the dinghy but unfortunately due to financial constraints with the National Museum the project was halted shortly afterwards.
The aforementioned six local volunteers again rose to the challenge and undertook the mammoth task of recreating in identical detail the original dinghy, and set about raising the necessary funds.
Master boat builder Larry Archer, from Malahide, provided the technical expertise and craftsmanship in completing the woodwork. George Elliott joined the team in applying the finishing touches and over the course of a year this iconic dinghy has been transformed from paper plans to an example of superb design and craftsmanship.
The community, individuals, clubs, organisations and businesses of Howth and surrounding areas contributed to raising the necessary funds.
Speaking at the presentation of the replica dinghy, Minister Humphreys, said: “I am very grateful to the volunteers of Howth for their generosity in giving their time and expertise to assist us to commemorate this important event in our history.
“There is no doubt that the landing of arms in Howth was a significant milestone along the road to Easter 1916 and I am delighted to support arrangements to mark this centenary in an appropriate way.
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Director of the National Museum of Ireland, Raghnall Ã? Floinn, paid tribute to the commitment of all those involved in the dinghy recreation project.
“The National Museum of Ireland is delighted to accept the donation of the replica of Asgard’s dinghy and wishes to thank all those in Howth and the surrounding areas for their work in seeing the project through to completion, and in particular the Asgard Volunteer Group,
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“This is truly a community effort combining solid research, local fundraising, traditional boat-building skills and the enthusiasm of a dedicated team of volunteers. It will be a significant addition to the museum’s exhibition.
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The recreated dinghy is available for the public to view at the National Museum of Ireland – Decorative Arts & History, Collins Barracks.
Meanwhile, there were big celebrations in Howth last Sunday (July 27) to mark the 100th anniversary of the landing of arms from the Asgard.
In an event known as the
‘Howth Gun Running’, the landing of arms for the Irish Volunteers proved a seminal moment in the foundation of the State.