THE St. Mary’s Maritime Project is set to increase in volunteers this summer after a volunteer’s grandson introduced the innovative venture to his fellow students at Ard Scoil Rís.
The pupils recently enjoyed a trip to the youth training scheme, based in Corcanree Business Park off the Dock Road, prompted by Dylan Kruger, whose grandfather Jim Quinn has been working on the project for a number of years.
Jim is a native of the Island Road in St. Mary’s Parish and a retired marine engineer.
He has volunteered his time for the last number of years to help restore the two historic vessels; the Maria Noble and the MV Posidonia.
Jim’s grandson Dylan, a transition year student at Ard Scoil Rís, has been assisting him in his spare time and receiving expert tutoring from his grandfather.
“Dylan sought permission to spend his period of work experience as a volunteer with St. Mary’s Maritime Project”, said chairman Dan Hegarty.
“As the project is principally a youth training project, we were delighted to accept his services. He performed magnificently for the fortnight but it was nothing less than expected, as he spent many of his Saturdays and days off from schools on the restoration project, which has .an ambition to ‘recycle’ two classic vessels – to recycle parish natives and their families back to their roots is a wonderful side-effect.
“Dylan gave great feedback to his schoolmates and teachers, whose interest in the project was then sparked.”
Recently 20 pupils and two teachers from the school visited the site as part of their Local Studies programme.
On arrival, the students were given a lecture on the history of the vessels that are being restored and the perceived needs of the project were explained to them.
The visitors were then treated to hot-dogs prepared by the ‘chef du jour’ Dan Clancy, before receiving a full guided tour from Ray O’Halloran, Tony Farrell, Christy Duhig and Dan Hegarty.
A number of students expressed interest in taking part in the project during the summer holidays and organisers are looking forward to working with them.
