Name Colman Cathasaig | ||
Colman Ó Cathasaig (died 1963) was a traditional shipwright of gleoiteogs and Galway hookers.
Ó Cathasaig was a native of Maínis, Leitir Mealláin, Conamara. His grandfather, Seán, was an apprentice to Seán Ó Laoidhe, one of the best boat-builders of his generation. Seán Ó Cathasaig later set up his own business and was succeeded by his sons Pádraig, Máirtín and Johnny. Colman was Máirtín's son, and the last of the family to carry on the business. By the mid-20th century, use of the gleoiteog, pucan and hooker had almost completely ceased; his last major job was in 1961. Colman died in 1963, several years before a revival of traditional marine craft began. However, at least two hookers built by the family - the Saint Patrick of 1911, and the Ark of 1887 - were refitted and had long and colourful histories and covered many miles. Both survived well into recent years, although both eventually succumbed to heavy weather, the Ark in a Bay of Biscay storm, and the Saint Patrick at her moorings on the South Coast.