AN anchor attached to a capstan involved in navigating from Limerick to Killaloe hundreds of years ago has been restored, and is to be unveiled by the O’Brien’s Bridge Community Group as part of National Heritage Week. Running from August 20 to 28, Heritage Week celebrates Ireland’s culture through a series of events throughout the country. The O’Brien’s Bridge Community Group are unveiling a sculptured stone placename by the Mayor of Clare Councillor Pat Hayes, on Wednesday, August 24 at 11am.
An old wooden stock anchor, which was recently discovered on the riverbed and is currently being restored, will also be revealed. “The anchor was found just out from the capstan, and the location of the find suggests a very close connection between the two,” said a spokesperson.
“We already know that the capstan, which we believe may be the only one in Ireland, was used as a device to haul the horse drawn barges up through the navigation arch of the bridge in heavy water during flood conditions.
“It is also said that villagers helped turn the capstan during these same flood conditions.
“We now believe that the anchor and the capstan were part of the same system used to help the barges to negotiate the very dangerous conditions that existed in O’Brien’s Bridge during the Limerick to Killaloe Navigation”.
The anchor is six foot in length with a five foot wide wood stock.
“It is said that these types of anchors were phased out towards the end of the 18th century, so it is a very important and historic find.
“It will be displayed in public alongside the capstan and both artefacts will be located on the O’Brien’s Bridge National Loop Walks”.
Mr Brian Goggin, waterways historian, will give a talk on the importance of both the capstan and the anchor in relation to the Limerick to Killaloe navigation.
A heritage garden surrounded with stonewalls and including old farm machinery will also be unveiled.
All members of the community are invited to attend on August 24 in O’Brien’s Bridge.
