A 17th-century account in Latin by Philip O'Sullivan Beare of the Elizabethan wars in Ireland includes a description of two currachs built in haste to cross the River Shannon. The larger was constructed as follows: two rows of osiers were thrust in the ground opposite each other, the upper ends being bent in to each other ("ad medium invicem reflexa") and tied with cords, whereupon the frame so made was turned upside down. Planks, seats and thwarts were then fitted inside ("cui e solida tabula, statumina, transtraque interius adduntur"), horse hide was fixed to the exterior and oars with rowlocks were supplied. This vessel is described as being able to carry 30 armed men at a time.