Leenane native Bridget Gavin has made history, as the first Irish woman to achieve the rank of Chief Ship's Engineer.

Bridget Gavin.

Ms Gavin has been appointed as Chief Engineer Officer on board the Irish Ferries Dublin to Holyhead cruise ferry 'Ulysses', where she is responsible for all the engineering aspects involved in the operation of the world's largest car ferry.

She is understood to be the first Irish woman ever to achieve that rank.

Ms Gavin attended Cork Institute of Technology, which incorporates the Cork Maritime College. Along with one other Irish woman to date, she holds the Chief Engineer Class 1 Certificate of Competence.

Previously a deep-sea sailor, Ms Gavin had to change career to an extent upon the birth of her daughter Gráinne in 2007.

Her sea-going career began as Cadet on a liquid gas carrier operated by the giant BP Shipping, with whom she worked for ten years travelling from Japan to the Caribbean and 'everywhere in between' on various types of oil and gas tankers and on steam and motor ships from small product carriers to VLCCs.

Referring to her move to the Irish Ferries ships as one which has allowed her to have a bigger role in her daughter's life, Bridget said that "being home for two weeks in every four, I can continue living in Leenane, which I think is one of the most beautiful places on this planet."

Urging other young Irish girls to consider a career at sea, she describes it as "a good life, which requires determination and a lot of responsibility. From graduation there is almost guaranteed employment with great promotional prospects and good pay," she added.

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