A massive Irish Navy ship has docked in Merseyside for a three day break from their patrols.
The George Bernard Shaw was welcomed into Bootle today by sailors from HMS Eaglet, home to the Royal Navy in the North West.
After docking at Huskisson Dock on Friday morning, the ship's 44 crew members will spend three days in Liverpool as a break from their patrols.
While away from the ship this weekend, sailors will be visiting Goodison park to watch Everton play Watford on Saturday.
The ship’s commanding officer Lieutenant Commander (Lt Cdr) Phillip Dicker said: “Members of the ship’s company are very much looking forward to their visit to Liverpool .
“They will be visiting Goodison Park to watch Everton Football Club play Watford tomorrow and they hope to be able to catch the all-Ireland Hurling Championship Final between Kilkenny and Tipperary on television on Sunday in Liverpool.”
Lieutenant Brian Smith, LÉ George Bernard Shaw’s executive officer and second-in-command, said: “This routine visit to Liverpool is an opportune time for the crew to get some well-earned rest, as well as explore the historic and cultural sights of Liverpool.
“The crew have been very much looking forward to the visit.”
The 2,226-tonne ship, which measures 90m in length, the same length as a football pitch, came into service in April 2019.
It has since been carrying out operations in the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone – including fishery protection patrols and search and rescue duties.
Lt Cdr Dicker welcomed Warrant Officer 1 Rob Lockyer, who is the engagement team leader for Naval Regional Command Northern England, on board the ship when it berthed on Friday
He was given a tour of the ship – and, as a former chief stoker, was impressed with the engine room and machinery.
He said: "Things have clearly moved on a great deal in the world of marine engineering since my day.
"The standard of living really is something else on this ship."
