Michael O’ Brien, coracle builder

Michael O’ Brien (b.1853) was the last of generations of coracle builders based at Oldbridge, Co. Meath, a townland at the furthest tidal reach on the River Boyne near Drogheda. O’ Brien built a specimen coracle, traditionally used for salmon fishing, at the behest of Dr Adolf Mahr, keeper of antiquities at the National Museum, and his work was photographed, filmed and recorded by Frank Stephens.