List of
Ownership
| Owner List | Year | Owner Name | Vessel Name | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Owner | 1914 | Joe Conaola (Shop Owner), Carna | Known as Bád Joe Conaola | 22’ Bád Iomartha (Rowboat) |
| 2nd Owner | – | Dara Folan (Dara Sheáinín Anna), Loch Con Aortha | Renamed Púcán Dara Sheáinín Anna | – |
| 3rd Owner | 1970 | Cóilín Hernon | – | – |
| 4th Owner | ?? | Michael Hernon | – | – |
| 5th Owner | 1988 | Páraic Hernon | – | Gaff Rigged (Gleoiteóg) |
| 6th Owner | 1991 | Mike and Sue Fahy | Renamed Asurnaí | – |
| Current Owner | 2021 | Cóilín Óg Hernon | – | – |
Built
for Purpose
Built as a bád iomartha (rowboat) by Máirtín Casey (Máirtín Ó Cathasaigh) in 1914 on Mweenish Island, Carna, Asurnaí measures approximately 22 feet in length. She was built for Joe Conaola of ‘Siopa Joe Conaola’ at Mace Pier, Carna. Originally known as Bád Joe Conaola, she transferred goods and cargo from the Pride of Mace into Mace Pier, and was also used to ferry cattle to and from MacDara’s Island.
Changing
of Hands
Cóilín Hernon (owner of Nóra Bheag) bought Asurnaí in 1970 from Dara Folan (Dara Sheáinín Anna) in Loch Con Aortha, near Cill Chiaráin. During this time, she was known as Púcán Dara Sheáinín Anna. After purchasing Nóra Bheag, Cóilín sold Asurnaí to his brother Michael, a Marine Engineer working in Singapore, who sadly passed away at the age of twenty-four.
Restored
with Care
The boat was then left to their father, Páraic Hernon, who fully rebuilt and restored her in 1988 — the same time his son Cóilín was rebuilding Nóra Bheag. Relaunched in 1990 with a gaff rig, her first sails were a second-hand set from MP McDonagh’s Gleoiteóg Mór, Claddagh, recut to fit Asurnaí by Cóilín.
A New
Chapter
In 1991, after a sail with Mike and Sue Fahy, they were so impressed that they purchased the boat from Páraic. She was brought to the Claddagh to sail alongside her “stepsister” Nóra Bheag and renamed Asurnaí, inspired by Saint Sourney, whose well and church lie in their local parish of Ballindereen and on Inis Mór.
Legacy
Continues Afloat
For 25 years, Asurnaí was lovingly maintained by Mike and Sue Fahy in Kinvara, where she raced and sailed across Galway Bay. Still carrying her original mast and granite ballast, she remains in remarkable condition. After Mike’s passing, she was bequeathed to their godson, Cóilín Óg Hernon, who continues her proud tradition on the water.