Ship called after a sea goddess to the fore in naval reserve

CREIDNE was a sea goddess and warrior who was destined to be a mother of three. Sons all, her children would become little imperialists, her father, Conail predicted. They would leave Ireland by ship and rule those countries where they made their respective land falls.

Whatever the legend's truth, the sea goddess's namesake, the Naval Service sail training yacht, Creidne, has certainly been associated with wandering progeny. Capt Eric Healy, the yacht's first training skipper, has served on numerous ships and was master of Asgard II for many years.

This year marks the vessel's 30th birthday, and the 50th for the organisation which owns it, An Slua Muiri. The secondline naval reserve took over the 52 foot, twin masted yacht in 1980, and it was handed to the reserve's eastern group in 1985. In 1991 the craft took part in the Cutty Sark Tall Ships Race.

An Slua Muiri owes its origins to the outbreak of the second World War. To protect this vulnerable coastline, a marine and coastwatching service was established which was the forerunner of the Naval Service; and the Maritime Inscription was set up as a reserve for such duties as port ferry services and port examination. Initially, it was formed in Dublin's Alexandra Basin, and was extended to Dundalk, Wexford, Bantry, Schull, Crosshaven and Foynes.

Its headquarters was at Portobello Barracks in Dublin, now known as Cathal Brugha, and it was under the command of Col Tony Lawlor.

In June 1947 it was reorganised as An Slua Muiri with nine companies, reduced to five in 1949 because of training and administration difficulties, and based in Dublin, Waterford, Cork and Limerick.

Its main role now is to assist in local search and rescue and exercises include use of marine electronic and communications equipment, firefighting, engineering, first aid and survival at sea.

In September 1990 the then Tanaiste and Minister for Defence, Mr Brian Lenihan announced that the reserve would be open to women from mid 1991. Strangely, six years later there are no women, but there are said to be plans; the delay is due to a "matter of administration". Hopefully, by the time the 75th birthday of An Slua Muiri comes round, there will have been a few women through the books.