The community of Gaoth Dobhair is being invited to have their say on the future of the iconic shipwreck ‘Bád Eddie’, which is decaying rapidly on the beach at Magheraclogher.
A public meeting will take place in Ionad Naomh Pádraig, Dobhair, this Monday 30th September at 8pm to discuss proposals for the famous Donegal landmark which first washed up in the 1970s and which has remained on the beach ever since.
The famous wreck has featured in music videos – most notably the video ‘In a Lifetime’ by Clannad and BONO – and appeared in Vogue magazine.
But the structure has become so unsafe that it now poses a risk to the public.
Bad Eddie, Gaoth Dobhair
Donegal TD Pearse Doherty is putting forward plans to have the wreckage removed and replaced by a full-size replica steel sculpture.
It is anticipated that Monday’s meeting will give the public the opportunity to voice their opinions on this suggestion and other ideas.
Deputy Doherty said: “As many people will be aware, the vessel has laid on the strand at Magherclogher since the 1970s following a storm which saw the boat run aground where its wooden remains have been left rotting ever since.
“While the vessel has become a well known and much loved tourist attraction over the years, even having appeared in a number of famous music videos as well in publications and brochures promoting the county, it’s unfortunately the case the rate of decay has accelerated significantly to the point that the boat has become unsafe and now poses a risk to the public.
“A few years ago, my colleague Councillor John Sheamais Ó Fearraigh had been in contact with both the local authority and the Office of Public Works in a bid to clarify the status of the wreck as well as to make efforts to have the structure made safe and preserved.
“Notwithstanding this, it’s believed that the boat is now beyond salvaging with many now holding the view that something needs to be done to make the location safe for beach goers.
“Similarly, there is wide spread consensus locally that – if it is to be removed – then a new structure or other monument should be installed in its place which would act as both a fitting tribute to the boat as well as something which in time could become a potential tourist attraction for the area.”
Deputy Doherty continued: “This is why over the last number of months, I have been working closely with Donegal sculptor John McCarron on a proposal for the site which includes a plan to create a replica full-size stainless steel sculpture of Bád Eddie and have it erected on the strand at Magheraclogher where Bád Eddie now sits.
“Of course, while this is a proposal for the boat which I have been working on and which I hope to present at next week’s public meeting, it is simply one of a number of suggestions being floated as I’m sure other people may have different or alternative proposals and these too need to be considered.
“Needless to say Bád Eddie is an iconic part of this county’s heritage and it holds a special place in the hearts of many people locally and indeed around the world having featured in countless wedding photos, family albums and in other materials down through the years.”
Sculptor John McCarron will be in attendance at Monday’s meeting in Ionad Naomh Pádraig, Dobhair, and it is hoped that as many people as possible will and have their say on how they believe Bád Eddie should be re-imagined.
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