‘Black day’ for skipper as ferry privatised

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 Cuív, 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 near 20 islanders to meet Mr Ó Cuív, who was visiting West Cork.