Sir, - According to your article (April 12th) the Asgard has been removed from Kilmainham Jail by the restoration committee, without the funding to restore it and without a place to keep it. It is simply beyond belief.
Although I congratulate the committee for wanting to do something about the Asgard, its objective does not benefit the public at large.
I am one Irish citizen who would rather view a conserved and preserved original Asgard in a museum from 6 ins, than a so-called restored Asgard as a tiny dot out on the sea, sailed by an exclusive few.
The current state of the Asgard is far from seaworthy, and it will surely require the replacement of most of the hull to make her so again. We will then have a replica. The original boat, a part of Irish history, will be gone forever. Thus we should deem the project the "Asgard replacement project".
Many more people will be able to see the Asgard up close in a museum than will ever get remotely close to her on the sea, let alone sail her. Exactly who will sail her anyway? When will I get my chance?
I ask the Asgard "restoration" committee to reconsider this option. - Yours etc.,
Gary M McGuire, Clane, Co Kildare.