List of
Ownership
| Owner List | Year | Owner Name | Vessel Name | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Owner | 1916 | – | – | Púcán Rigged |
| 2nd Owner | – | Patrick Madden, Feenish Island, Carna | – | – |
| Current Owner | 1988 | Cóilín Hernon | Renamed Nóra Bheag | Gaff Rigged (Gleoiteóg) |
Crafted in
Galway City
Nóra Bheag was built in 1916 as a 23ft Púcán by Seán O’Donnell (Johnny Labhcáis Ó Domhnaill) at Long Walk, Galway City. O’Donnell was a renowned builder who also built An Faoileán, Regina Coeli, and Uí Breasail, among others.
A Family
Connection Restored
Current owner Cóilín Hernon bought Nóra Bheag the same year he completed his Leaving Certificate. Previously owned by Patrick Madden, Cóilín’s grandfather, the boat once carried fish and goods between Feenish Island and Carna. In 1988, Cóilín lovingly rebuilt the boat in his back garden in Renmore, reviving what remained of the original craft with care and dedication.
A Mother’s
Namesake
When the rebuild was finished, Cóilín’s mother, Nóra Madden of Feenish Island, looked out from the kitchen window and said, “Sin í an bád a thóg muid” — “that is the boat that reared us.” From that touching moment, the boat was named Nóra Bheag, after her.
Tradition and
Global Journey
In 2012, Nóra Bheag journeyed to Abu Dhabi for a Cultural Exchange during the Volvo Ocean Race, later sailing with Emirati Dhows on Galway Bay — a remarkable meeting of maritime traditions.
Distinctive and
Still Sailing
With her black sails and red spars, Nóra Bheag is instantly recognisable on Galway Bay. She joined the Galway Hooker Sailing Club in April 2019, proudly accompanying Lovely Anne on her launch day in Maree and the Claddagh, continuing her legacy afloat every season since.