Sea Spray arrives from Norway

The Downey Family are no strangers to the Fishing Industry and yesterday, September the 3rd, their new trawler sailed into Castletownbere in majestic fashion.  Local trawlers and the Castletownbere Lifeboat sailed out to greet the new ship, to welcome her and escorted her into the port at approximately 8pm to a rapturous welcome.  The family vessel name of 'Sea Spray' was transferred from their previous trawler to this one.  The absence of sunshine and the drizzle did not dampen the spirits of the owners and crew and this special day.  Margaret Downey, her son Kevin and his wife Lisa, and her daughter Patricia with her husband Donald are the proud new owners of the biggest addition to the Castletownbere Fishing Fleet. Kevin Sheehan, Castletownbere, skipper of the Sea Spray since 1984, was at the helm when she docked at the pier, along with crew Kevin Downey, Donald O'Sullivan, Jimmy Harrington, Michael Martin-Sullivan, Donal Hurley, David Kelly and Owen O'Sullivan and 2 former engineers of the boat from Norway.   The families of the Crew transferred onto the new vessel in the harbour and sailed with them into port.  The first Sea Spray was purchased by the late Frank Downey and his wife Margaret in 1977.  Click here to view story of the old Sea Spray.  Heartiest congratulations to all involved and may all who sail and work on her be safe. Further details of the new vessel and more photos will be published later as they become available. These photos were taken by Marine Artist & fisherman Pat Fitzgerald.