The race is on to save ancient Iron Age boat found near Lifford bridge

An incredibly unique link with the ancient past is under threat if action is not taken right away.

That was the message this week from the Lifford-Strabane Anglers Association following the discovery of what is believed to be a 16-foot long Iron Age logboat near Lifford bridge.

The management of monuments is always a challenge but the fear is this vessel may decay or worse still, be vandalised unless it is taken into care.

Anglers club member Paul Logue discovered the boat approximately three weeks ago. He alerted his cousin Eamon Logue who along with a friend, Kevin McBride visited the site, just below Lifford bridge on the Strabane side of the river.

"We knew straight away it was an ancient boat, probably thousands of years old. It had carvings on it as well as metal spikes. We got in touch with the Tower Museum in Derry as I knew they had recovered a similar type boat from Clady a few years ago. They were very interested and talked about getting an expert from Queen's University to carbon date the boat, said Eamon Logue.

He added Covid delayed any further exploration but on Friday last, marine archaeologist Niall Gregory from Tipperary visited the site.

"He was very excited about the find and stressed its importance. He took measurements, samples, and sketches and reckoned that because it was a passenger boat, this proved the Lifford-Strabane area was a hotbed of activity thousands of years ago."

"He also revealed 21 boats had been found along this stretch of the river and were very specific to the Foyle. An expert from Queen's University also attended and took samples. They have promised to get back to the club when they made their findings"

Mr Logie added he was now concerned that the boat had been left lying at the side of the river and could either start to decay or be vandalised.

"We don't know what to do next. We feel it's vital this vessel is preserved in some way. It's part of our ancient history and might be about 2,000 years old. In any other country, the authorities would be here taking things in charge but from our enquiries to date, no one appears to be interested."

He said bits and pieces of boats had been found before but this was an intact boat, an incredible discovery.

"We talked about moving it up from the embankment and sheltering it before something happened but that might not be enough. I got a phone call on Sunday night to say there were young fellows messing with it. I'd be afraid if nothing is done we will lose it forever.

"We want this ancient boat to be rescued, it's part of our history. This needs action now," he said.