Former skipper suffers black day as Cape Clear ‘hurt and split’ by ferry privatisation

A SKIPPER who yesterday lost his job on the former State-run Cape Clear ferry, after 35 years’ service, accused the Government of turning its back on his crew.

An emotional Tadhg (Ted) Ó Drisceoill, 59, told Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Eamon Ó Cuiv that his department had deleted a clause protecting his crew from the new contract governing the now-privatised route.

As the new operator began plying the route for the first time yesterday, Mr Ó Drisceoill led a delegation of nearly 20 islanders to meet Mr Ó Cuiv who was visiting West Cork.