List of
Ownership
| Owner List | Year | Owner Name | Vessel Name | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Owner | 1900 | Conneelys of Tuairín, Béal an Daingin | – | 22′ Bád Iomartha (Rowboat) |
| 2nd Owner | 1990s | Patrick Connolly | – | |
| 3rd Owner | – | Finn McMullan | Renamed Blackbird | Gaff Rigged (Gleoiteóg) |
| Current Owner | 2018 | Séamus McHugh, Kinvarra | Renamed An Lon Dubh | – |
| Caretakers | 2021 | Galway Hooker Sailing Club | Renamed Lon Dubh |
Crafted in
Lettermore
The Blackbird (An Lon Dubh) was built as a 22ft bád iomartha (row boat) around 1900 by Patrick Griffin (Peaitín Phatch Ó Gríofa) in Lettermore, Co. Galway. She was built for the Conneely family of Tuairín, Béal an Daingin. Griffin was the grand uncle of Antaine Phat Willie Ó Gríofa, whose family today own and sail the Naomh Ina, a 28ft Gleoiteog Mór built in 2019.
Repaired
and Reborn
In the late 1990s, the Blackbird was owned briefly by Patrick Connolly (Patrick “Fóidín” Ó Conaola). During this time, she underwent repairs by Colm Walsh (Colm Mhichael Labhráis Bhreathnaigh) of Camus — the same craftsman who rebuilt the club’s Lovely Anne around the same period.
A New
Identity
After her restoration, Patrick Connolly sold the boat to architect Finn McMullan from Ballinderreen, Co. Galway. Finn named her The Blackbird, and she spent many years based in Kinvara, often sailing alongside Asurnaí. At the time, she was not rigged, and Finn commissioned the Hernon family to craft a new set of spars.
Refitted
for Sailing
Once the spars were complete, the Hernons recut an old set of sails from Nóra Bheag to suit The Blackbird. In 2018, Finn sold the boat to Séamus McHugh, who renamed her An Lon Dubh — the Irish for Blackbird. Séamus also commissioned new Hyde sails, a new mast made in Canada, and hull repairs by craftsman Ben Gabriel of Gort.
A New
Chapter
Earlier this year, McHugh Property Holdings generously sponsored An Lon Dubh and entrusted her to the Galway Hooker Sailing Club. She now serves as a training and sailing vessel, ensuring her story — from Lettermore craftsmanship to Claddagh tradition — continues to inspire new generations of sailors.