Tina hails from Bearna, a small fishing village along west coast of Galway, and is a born and bred Galway girl. With no background or experience in sailing (or anything maritime). Tina joined the Port of Galway Sea Scouts in 2017, completed the National Powerboat Course which then led her towards the Galway Hooker. When she heard the story of Loveen, a Gleoiteóg gifted to the Sea Scouts, she signed up as a volunteer for the Lovely Anne restoration project to learn and understand what it takes to look after a traditional wooden boat. After the success of this restoration, Tina helped setup Galway Hooker Sailing Club, to next restore Loveen, as well as developing a club for the community of like minded volunteers.
Tina continues to build on her nautical skills, completing the RYA Day Skipper Course as well as becoming both an Irish Sailing Powerboat and Sailing Instructor. One of her happiest memories is still from 2020 when she had the opportunity to take the helm of Lovely Anne, Anam Cara and Nóra Bheag!