The Helen Blake Community Group CLG

The Helen Blake Community Group Company Limited by Guarantee is a community‑driven social enterprise dedicated to preserving maritime heritage through the construction of a full‑scale replica of the historic Helen Blake lifeboat, which sank off the Keeragh Islands. The project brings together participants from the Ballycullane Community Employment Scheme, Wexford Local Development TÚS workers and volunteers, all guided by master shipwright John Colfer, to develop practical skills in traditional boat‑building, carpentry and marine tourism.

At present the replica is in the final stages of build, with interior fitting underway, and the group is seeking sponsorship to fund the completion of key components. Once finished, the vessel will operate as a social enterprise offering marine tours from Fethard Harbour, providing both a living tribute to the Irish RNLI’s heroism and a sustainable source of community employment and training. The organisation welcomes sponsors at bronze, silver, gold and platinum levels and keeps supporters informed through newsletters, a blog and an active Facebook page.