Johna∅ Jimm∅ MacDonncha is the world champion currach man who rowed through mountainous seas in the film Ryan's Daughter. When David Lean asked him if he would do it, he responded: "Sure if the currach can go out, we can."
One of the last builders of canvas craft, MacDonncha recently constructed one on camera without using power tools. The work was captured on film by Cian de BuitlΘar as part of a series made with his father, ╔amon, due to be broadcast on TG4 early next month.
MacDonncha's philosophy is that the currach is a working boat, which should still be used as such where possible - and no better place than his native heath, the water-bound "islands" area of south Connemara. Stunning photography of the owner delivering cattle across to fresh grazing, or working on pots and harvesting seaweed, shows the vessel at its flexible best.
The three-part documentary set out to illustrate the skill and craft of traditional boat building in Connemara where Cian and his wife, Bairbre, and two sons now live. The second programme profiles Mhβirt∅n Jimm∅ MacDonnacha, builder of currachs in wood.
He trained with Colm Mulkerrins, famous craftsman of Mweenish. The camera tracks him from the first cut of timber in Wicklow to the day the craft is launched on water.
The third programme is the documentary on the last Galway hooker.
Na Saora Bβd runs on January 2nd, 3rd and 4th at 7.10pm on TG4.