Irish Navy Sails Into Derry

The Irish Navy fishery protection ship LE Emer is sailing north this weekend.

A spokesman said: "Our ships are regular guests of the port of Derry where we always get a friendly welcome."

Lt Cdr Terry Ward, from the Naval Service Press Office explained that L.E. EMER (the prefix stands for Long Eireannach, meaning ship of Ireland) was designed and built in the Verolme Cork Dockyard especially for the harsh maritime environment of the North East Atlantic.

"She was commissioned in 1978 making her the oldest ship in the fleet but she still remains vital in the protection of Ireland's maritime domain," he continued.

The ship is named after Emer who legend has it was the wife of Ireland's most famous warrior, Cúchulainn.

The Royal Navy's fishery protection vessel HMS Severn also sails into Londonderry this weekend in support of the city's Foyle Days celebrations and will be open to the public in the border city alongside the LE Emer.

Arriving mid morning on Friday, HMS Severn will dock at Queen's Quay, for both ships to be opened to visitors on both Saturday and Sunday, May 21 and 22nd allowing local people to get on board for a look around these modern warships.

The Irish Naval Service spokesman said that the vessel's crew are very pleased to support the Foyle Days Festival, under the Commanding Officer Lt (NS) Brian Sweeney who is temporarily in command while the regular Captain, Lt Cdr Orlaith Gallagher is ashore.

See: LE Emer

See: Derry Event Links Royal And Irish Navies

(BMcC/GK)