Fishermen catch ancient canoe that ferried stone to Newgrange

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A 5,000-year-old canoe was found in the River Boyne by two fishermen.

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Two unsuspecting fishermen caught a 5,000-year-old canoe in Ireland's Boyne river.

The two anglers, Ivan Murphy and Kevin Tuite, discovered the canoe two weeks ago. The oddly designed vessel was removed by specialists yesterday.

"We spotted it in the water, and I turned it over and we discovered it was a canoe. It was incredible to see, and I immediately covered it again and we contacted the museum," said Murphy.

"It may have been lying there for years, but we are down on the Boyne quite a bit and didn't notice it before so it may have floated down in the tide from further up stream."

The canoe was discovered near the historical site of the Battle of the Boyne and is also a few miles from the megalithic tomb Newgrange.

Archaeologists believe the boat may have been used to transport stone to the ancient tomb.

The canoe is only 3 meters long and 61cm wide, and specialists believe it may have been used as a vessel for just one man or as a transporter.

The boat will be brought to a preservation center in Co Roscommon and will be tested to confirm its age.  It was found with a hook attached to one end, which was possibly used as a link for a mooring rope.

The canoe was discovered in waters controlled by the Drogheda and District Anglers club. Secretary John Murphy said it was the "find of a lifetime" for the members of the club.

"It just shows what anglers can discover. You could say they are the archaeologists of the riverbank."

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