This is Harbour Stories — short, standalone episodes from Steady As She Goes, telling the stories of the ships, people, and working vessels that kept Irish harbours moving.

In this episode, we’re telling the story of one such vessel: the tug Wexford — built in 1888, and for decades essential to the life and safety of Wexford Harbour. And today, her story can still be seen, through a beautiful painting of the tug at work on display at the Rosslare Harbour Maritime Heritage Centre.

When we think about maritime history, we often picture great liners, dramatic wrecks, or ships lost at sea. But just as often, it was a smaller vessel — working quietly day after day — that made everything else possible.