Cill Airne - October 24, 2004

Cill Airne Photographs © John H. Luxton 2004

	Former Port of Cork tender CILL AIRNE at Custom House Quay on Sunday October 24, 2004. She still carries the estate agent's for sale board on her stern. She was sold at auction a few weeks earlier to local businessmen who plan to turn her into a floating pub / restaurant in time for Cork's year as European City of Culture 2005. Given that the new year is less than two months away one would think they need to get on with things. So far it doesn't appear externally that any work has been done. Also of interest is the note on the estate agent's board that a similar vessel is wanted.
CILL AIRNE was built by Liffey Dock Yard, Dublin 1962 and was sister ship to BLARNA of 1961. They were clearly inspired by the design of the Mersey Ferries. The Port of Cork having in the past purchased former Mersey vessels for tendering duties. However, the purpose built BLARNA and CILL AIRNE were built as the liner trade succumbed to air competition. BLARNA found her way to America many years ago and by coincidence was also being offered for sale this year. CILL AIRNE found a new use as a training ship for the Cork Technical College until they offered her for sale.