We continue our series of posts on the films at 2015 Galway Film Fleadh, taking a look at Tony Walsh’s documentary Croí an ?ladai?. The film screens Thursday July 9th, at 2.15pm in the Town Hall Studio.
Croí an ?ladai? follows the building of a new Galway Hooker, the first of its type to be built in Galway city since 1922. An iconic boat, the Galway Hooker was a traditional fishing boat, also often used to carry turf across Galway Bay from Connemara, to the Burren and the Aran Islands.
Construction of the boat took place between January 2011 and June 2012, with 250 year old oak wood being used in the manufacture. Walsh’s documentary follows the boats journey from tree to sea, capturing the methods of the Bádoirí an ?ladai? (Claddagh Boatmen), who used traditional skills and tools.
Stunning scenery, traditional Sean Nós singing and dancing and inspirational characters make this story a truly emotional journey for the audience, showing the true heart of Galway. Croí an ?ladai? – “Heart of the Claddagh” — is now a regular sight in the Claddagh and Galway Bay. It is a credit to those who keep this wonderful tradition alive.
Croí an ?ladai? screens on Thursday July 9th, at 2:15pm in the Town Hall Studio.