IRISH boatbuilders have been working in Minehead this week to recreate a pivotal piece from West Somerset's maritime past.

Pictured are Padraig O'Duinnin and Dave Nolan from the firm Meitheal Mara - Gaelic for workmen of the sea - who have been working with volunteers and long-term unemployed people to build a seven-man Celtic longboat known as a currach.

The boat has been taking shape outside the YMCA-owned Beach Hotel and is part of a project to create a heritage focal point at the bottom of The Avenue in partnership with the nearby West Somerset Railway.

A dedicated tourist information centre and new cafe opened at the hotel last Saturday, with a museum due to open tomorrow (Saturday).

All the materials for the currach have been locally sourced - Exmoor National Park Authority felled and milled a spruce tree from North Hill along with green oak, while Dunster Crown Estates coppiced hazel.

Minehead's Price Western Leather donated material to cover the hull and J Gliddon and Sons of Williton donated hardware and tools. Dulux gave bitumen paint and Minehead Hire provided lights for evening working.

Minehead vision manager Stephen Hooper, who has spearheaded the project, said: "This has really captured the town's imagination, the goodwill and support is incredible, everyone has pulled together to help make this happen."

The week-long boat-build has been jointly funded by the Community Learning Partnership, West Somerset Council's Community Outreach Fund, YMCA South West, Job Centre Plus and Prospects Services.

Currachs used to be a familiar sight off the West Somerset coastline as they played a pivotal role in the spread of Christianity from Ireland and South Wales to Somerset during Roman times.

Martin Hodgson, chief executive of YMCA South West said: "We are very proud to be partners this project, it not only celebrates the YMCA's Christian ethos but also the establishment of the Somerset Coastal Churches and Minehead's long association with the sea.

"Our young people are gaining so much from being involved."

Boatbuilder Padraig, who specialises in working with community groups, added: "It is exciting to be building a Currach with Minehead people and seeing the enthusiasm of the participants and the interest of the onlookers.

"I feel we are rekindling the ancient links between Southern Ireland and the Somerset coast."

The longboat will be launched at 5.30pm from Minehead Harbour on Sunday (March 30) following a blessing ceremony.

Photo: Steve Guscott