Fears for future of Iron Age boat

LIMITED services and finance could prevent the preservation of what is believed to be the remains of an Iron Age boat discovered at Lifford Bridge.

Members of the Strabane Lifford Anglers Association, who found the 16 foot long remains of the ancient craft are hoping it can be preserved for posterity.

Some 20 similar vessels have been found along the Foyle over the years. The river was once a main highway with numerous crossings to the larger number of islands that were on the river in the past.

Marine archaeologist Niall Gregory from Tipperary is investigating the vessel and has taken samples for analysis.

However, this week he stressed that due to the limited services and funding in the state service responsible, actions they can take are restricted and prioritised.

“These are archaeological items, non-renewable resources and they have to be treated with due diligence. In recent discussions with the Environment section of the Department of Communities being able to retain these boats and be curatorship of them. But these are slow decisions to be made and everything has a cost and there is a limited pot of funding,” he added.

Angling member Paul Logue discovered the boat in recent weeks just below Lifford Bridge on the Strabane side. He alerted his cousin Eamon Logue and together with friend Kevin McBride they visited the site.

“We knew straight away it was an ancient boat, probably thousands of years old. It had carving on it as well as metal spikes. We contacted the Tower Museum in Derry as I knew they had recovered a similar boat from Clady a few years ago.

“We don’t know what to do next but we do feel it is vital this vessel is preserved in some way. It is part of our ancient history and might be about 2,000 years old.

“ In any other country the authorities would be here taking charge but from our inquiries to date no one seems to be interested,” he added.