Month: March 2018

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JFK Jnr remembered at Woodstown 1967

This months guest blog is by Joe Falvey another long time supporter of the blog and a writer of many excellent articles about our local history.  This months piece is a fine gathering of historical facts and anecdotes based around the visit of the Kennedys to Woodstown in 1967 and was written as a tribute originally on the death of JFK Jnr in 1999.  So journey back with us this morning to a rural Waterford of a very different era.  I’m sure you will enjoy it.
Like most of the world, I first heard of Woodstown, this quiet, quaint and charmingly beautiful place during the late spring and early Summer of 1967. I first visited Ardmore that same summer, careful not to stray too far from the Cork border. Apart from a vague knowledge of Tramore’s existence, I had no other knowledge of Waterford. Yet from the time it was first announced in mid-April of that year that Jackie Kennedy, then the most famous and glamorous woman in the world, was going to holiday there with her children, John-John and Caroline, the name and images of Woodstown became engraved in my memory. Little did I realise then that I would end up living just a few miles from there and that it would become one of our favourite family places in all of its seasonal phases-its sylvan dressed beauty and sea-kissed tranquility.
Jackie and children riding out, photo via Pat Coghlan

The place has thus quietly lured many to reside or visit there over the years. The tragic death of that fondly remembered young boy, who grew to be a handsome, much admired man of the world struck a particular heart-felt chord of anguish among Woodstown’s residents who so proudly welcomed this remarkable family into their midst. Memories came tumbling back for so many.

I went for a stroll there on the day of his funeral seeking to recall those days of innocence and hope and to remember also other tragedies that are strewn across life’s path but this family have had their share.
An example of the press coverage at the time.  Via Michael O’Sullivan Waterford History Group
As word spread that the Kennedy’s were coming on holidays to Woodstown for six weeks, a huge press corps descended on this quiet secluded resort and the views of the locals were canvassed and cast onto the world stage of the media. This was but three and a half years after the assassination of the President in Dallas, so a sense of poignancy was interwoven with a sense of local pride. This pride was matched by pragmatic optimism that such startling news would put the place on the map and that proper amenities, like public toilets, car parks and road access would be provided and indeed, great inroads were made in that direction.
The late and much respected William (Bill) Coghlan was chairman of the local Development Association at the time. The media coverage made much reference to the only local hostelry- The Saratoga – owned and run by Bill and his wife Adi. Jack Donnelly, the postman, echoed the sentiment of many at the time: “ Sure, isn’t it a pity that the great man himself isn’t coming.”
There was a gentle touch of clerical rivalry between the local churches with Fr. Phelan of Crooke quietly confident that the visitors would be attending his church, while Fr. Leahy of Killea was offering his Céad Míle Fáilte pointing out that his church was in fact closer.
The Kennedys visit to Ballyhack, Co Wexford, courtesy of Niamh Kehoe

The children of the area had simpler dreams and welcomed John-John and Caroline as playmates and cherished hopes that they would join in with their summer games of skipping and sandcastles. Ita and and Conor Coghlan, Grace and Judith Cooke were much photographed as likely playmates. Mrs Bridget Morrissey and her children were equally anticipating the great occasion. She had run a sweet shop opposite the main gates to Woodstown House, en route to the beach, for many years. She was adamant that John-John and Caroline would be most welcome like any other children who came to visit the safe and sandy beach at Woodstown. And indeed, when they came they proved to be just that, innocent, well-mannered charming children, despite the aura of wealth, beauty and glamour associated with their famous parents.

A telling anecdote recounted to me by Tony Walsh (Tap Room- Ballybricken) of the time he assisted his sister in the beach shop at the other end of Woodstown. (leased from Mrs Phelan). His special memory was of John-John coming up to him at the shop to buy sweets and things. On a few occasions he recalls the lad enquiring as to the price of a coveted choc-ice but reluctantly settling for an ordinary ice pop on realising that his pocket money wouldn’t stretch to such a luxury! Another day he bought after much consideration a cap gun but returning the following day with it as it was not working to his satisfaction and wondering if Tony could fix it and if not could he have his money back! Tony won’t sell you a choc-ice or cap gun today but you are guaranteed a great pint.
The weather was truly welcoming that June and hundreds of people flocked to greet and observe the famous visitors. The place was initially agog with excitement and the media (local, national and international) got their stories and pictures which bulked the Sunday editions in particular. The Saratoga was a gathering point for the media people but the fact it did not have a public telephone nor was there any elsewhere in the area presented a challenge to the men of the press, I’ve been told by a journalist who was assigned to that story, but nevertheless, obviously managed to get their stories out- ‘By Hook or by Crooke’. However, after a while people generally withdrew and gave the family the privacy they needed and deserved. People like the Russell family, Philip, Ken and Sandra have their own memories of playing with John-John and Caroline, has have others. Many of the press photographs showed Jackie and the children out riding and there was no shortage of equine offers.
Jackie’s horse, in particular, was lent by Mr. Don O’Neill-Flanagan for the duration of the holidays. Indeed, it was he who was involved in the family coming to the area. He was acquainted with Mr Murray McDonnell, a wealthy Irish-American, who had rented Woodstown House for the summer from its then owner, Major Cholmeley Harrison (a London stockbroker). Mr. Murray McDonnell then invited Jackie Kennedy and her children to join him, his wife and children on this holiday. The estate manager was Peter Cook and he, along with his wife quickly swung into action to make all the necessary preparations. Mrs. Kathleen Mahoney was the Housekeeper and along with Mrs. Alice Keane knew there was a big challenge ahead and were well equal to the task.

A boat trip at Dunmore.  Photo courtesy of blog regular David Carroll and via Michael Farrell BGHS

Apart from the many relaxing days, there were the usual outings- a highlight was a trip in a boat from Dunmore East, John Roche was the able skipper of the Misty Morning and the delights of the harbour were duly enjoyed.

Irish Derby Day was the first of July that year and Jackie was the star guest greeted there by the Taoiseach, Jack Lynch and his wife Maureen. Chief steward that day was Major Victor McCalmont (Mount Juliet).
Woodstown House was built for Sir Henry W. Barron, M.P. for Waterford, during the middle years of the 19th century on an estate of 240 acres. It was later sold to John Hearne, the Waterford builders and has had a variety of owners since including Roger Shipsey. Woodstown is also associated at this time with Richard Profumo, brother of British war Minister, John, who took refuge at Ballyglan House nearby, during the Christine Keeler scandal that rocked the Westminster Government.
One final memory of John-John is that of Waterford Crystal workers who recall this six year old wielding his camera with interest and dexterity to capture the seemingly magical craft of glassblowing. This is the boy who is so affectionately remembered by all who met him, who became the young man who charmed America, who like his father died in his prime and who may well have followed his father to the White House.
An ironic coincidence is that his ill-fated plane was a Piper Saratoga. The Woodstown hostelry’s name was in turn named after Saratoga Springs, upstate New York. It was so named by a retired parish priest (Fr. Fleming) who had spent a lifetime ministering there who settled in Woodstown with his sisters in his retirement. It’s a small world surely and diminished further by the death of this fine young man.
I wish to sincerely thank Joe for passing along his work for me to reproduce here.  Joe’s piece originally featured in the Munster Express on July 30th, 1999.  I’d also like to thank the many responses to my request for photographs.  I also received a number of anecdotes of the visit which I hope to combine into a subsequent account.  Any others that people would like to share, I would be happy to add them. If you would like to contribute a piece to any of my guest blog Friday’s (last Friday of each month) please get in touch to russianside@gmail.com.  All I ask is that the subject matter be linked in some way to the maritime heritage of the area, and 1200 words approx.

If you would like more information here’s a podcast of the story called “Beauty and the Beach” by Elaine Power and Nicola Beresford.  https://www.spreaker.com/user/9726109/beauty-and-the-beach

I publish a blog about Waterford harbours maritime heritage each Friday.
To subscribe to get it to your inbox email tidesntales@gmail.com
My Facebook and Twitter pages chronical the daily happenings in our beautiful harbour:
F https://www.facebook.com/whtidesntales  T https://twitter.com/tidesntales

My book on growing up in a fishing village is now published.
Details of online purchases, local stockists or ebook store available here

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Cheekpoint’s cross

A recent Facebook and Twitter post of the Cross on Cheekpoints Green, prompted a large reaction and got several comments particularly from an international audience asking why was the cross overlooking the village and when was it put there.   
My recent snow photo 
One of our oldest residents, Pat Murphy, has previously told me that the Cross on the Green was originally erected in 1913 by the local community. It followed a visit by a priest from the missions who came to preach in the parish about his work overseas. A collection was taken up and offered to the man, which he apparently refused but asked that it be put to some “spiritual” use. Just how a decision was made can only be guessed but it was decided to erect the Cross. And if the photo below is anything to go by, the unveiling (if this is indeed such) was a very large occasion.
photo credit Tomás Sullivan
The Cross was moved from the middle of the Green, sometime in the late 1950’s.  It was put in the top corner of the Green, just behind where the present grotto is located, on a rocky outcrop.  At some point, again according to Pat, Denny Murphy and Tommy Doherty did some remedial work to hold it all together including an iron bar support placed at the rear.
The Cross, in this position, was a regular meeting point as it was on a direct line between the Mount and the back road, when people took the short cut through the “Knock”. Many a weary fisherman trudged home that way. I remember sitting there as a child, particularly as the sun set over “Snow Hill”, getting the last of the summer sun. At that stage the blackened timber was beginning to crumble particularly at the base, and we often joked that the woodworm must be holding it together by joining hands.
I can also remember my aunt Ellen complaining that the Cross should never have been moved and that Cheekpoint would never have luck until it was returned to its original location.  It may have been that, but more likely its imminent collapse, that spurred my uncle, John Doherty, to move it back to it’s rightful place in 1980. Another memory is of the figure of the crucified Jesus in John’s shed as he repaired the plaster from which it was sculpted.  His brother in law Paddy Connolly who is a gifted carpenter, constructed a new teak cross onto which the figure was remounted. The teak cross and repaired figure was repositioned on a new stand and steps.  These were constructed on the green principally by John and Alf Doherty.
Fr. Tom Doyle blessing the new cross summer 1980
Photo via Tomás Sullivan
The only memory I have of any religious use that it was put to, was when the village assembled to say a rosary around it after my brother Joseph was drowned on Sunday August 10th 1980.  We gathered in the evening times praying a rosary that his body would be given back by the River Suir, which it was, on Thursday August 14th.
The Cross needed some repairs again in recent years and its likely that this will be an ongoing task. But whatever the generation or whatever the scale of religious belief we seem to lack no shortage of people willing to maintain and enhance this village feature.
I publish a maritime blog about Waterford harbours maritime heritage each Friday.  
To subscribe to get it to your inbox email russianside@gmail.com 

My Facebook and Twitter pages chronical the daily happenings in our beautiful harbour:  
F https://www.facebook.com/whtidesntales  T https://twitter.com/tidesntales


My book on growing up in a fishing village is now published.     

Details of online purchases, local stockists or ebook store available here

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Bill and Teresa’s American adventure

This week in a look ahead to the coming St Patrick’s day festival I wanted to share this piece which celebrates the hard work and personal integrity of one of our own. I’ve spoken about emigration to America before from the village. Todays piece featuring Bill Lannen Doherty and his wife Teresa gives an insight into the benefits of emigration.  This this year Bill will be honoured in his local St Patrick’s Day Parade (Glen Cove) where he helped found the first parade 30 years ago and this year he has been chosen as Grand Marshal.
William (Bill) Doherty was born May 1, 1950
in the Russianside, Cheekpoint, Co. Waterford to Andrew, fisherman/seaman
and Nancy Doherty. He was raised in a small cottage with his 4 older sisters
Elizabeth, Agnes, Brigid, and Ann. As a youngster he did what all the young men did, worked the local rivers fishing in the salmon and herring boats that
plied their fishing trade in all the small fishing villages on the estuary.
Bill at the tender age of 17 met his future wife, Teresa while working the
ferryboat at Little Island, Waterford. After years of courting, when it wasn’t
unusual for Bill to walk 5 miles to meet Teresa at the neighboring village of
Ballygunner.  They were married on March 18, 1972 at St John’s Church, Parnell
Street, Waterford City.  
Wedding day 1972
After working the
summer of 1972 in Dingle Co. Kerry, Bill and his new bride made the life
altering decision in October 1972 to emigrate at 22 years of age to Long Island, New York. Bill and Teresa was sponsored by his sister Brigid and lived
initially in Lindenhurst with the Winters Family, before moving to Saint James,
where his son Ryan was born in 1974 then settling in Glen Cove in 1977 to be
closer to his employment at Ever-Ready Sanitation located near City
Stadium.  It was around that time Bill
became a Parishioner of St Patrick’s, Glen Cove and met other Ancient Order of Hibernian members such as
Mike Moran and was initiated into Division 8. Soon after, in 1979, his daughter
Tara Ann was born and he was employed by Daniello and Son in Locust Valley and
lived in Stephen Oval, Glen Mills Apartments in Glen Cove. In 1983, Andrew John
was born and for the next decade he raised his growing family in Glen Cove,
often sending the kids to Ireland for the summers so that he could work hard, sometimes 3 jobs 7 days a week. 

In 1989, Bill along with other AOH Members formed a small committee to start a St Patrick’s Day Parade in Glen Cove. This parade is now celebrating its 30th Anniversary and serves as the only Hibernian Sponsored Parade in Nassau County, growing over the years to become premier celebration of Irish Heritage and Culture on the North Shore. In 1990, Bill and his family, realizing the American Dream bought their own home and moved to Bayville.

Bill, Teresa and the family

After many years of working and living in
on the North Shore, Bill was always willing to lend a hand at AOH events such
as the Project Children Paddleboat Steamer Cruise and the Coney Island Irish Festival. He was always willing to open his home up on holidays or taking a
phone call from a young Irish emigrant looking for work at Piping Rock Club.
Bill served as AOH Division 8 President from 1990 -1992.
Happy times at the Saratoga

In February 2005, Bill and
Teresa made the decision to return “home” to run the world famous Saratoga Bar
on the scenic strand of Woodstown Co. Waterford made famous from its visit by
the Kennedy Family in the 1960’s.  Bill
the Publican worked hard at building up the bar’s local customer base and tourist trade, and was a natural behind the bar. He enjoyed his 11 years managing the bar
alongside his sidekick Teresa. He treated everyone entering
his premises with warm courtesy and respect.

Bill and his sisters lr Bridgid (RIP), Betty, Ann and Agnes

In 2016, after the passing of some family
members, an ever-growing grandchildren count and a major flood that nearly
destroyed the pub (but that they rebuilt better than ever), Bill and Teresa made the choice to return once more to the Gold Coast to semi-retire and enjoy the
fruits of their labor. Life has now come full circle, Bill works part-time with his nephews at
Winter Bros Waste Systems, one of the largest private sanitation companies on
Long Island.

This year Bill is truly honored to be chosen for
Grand Marshal of the 2018 Glen Cove St Patrick’s Day Parade. It is a celebration of what
an immigrant with hard work ethic and love for both Ireland and America can
accomplish over a life well lived. It is a  great tribute and so fitting that such a
milestone anniversary of 30 years recognizes one of its founding members on the
same day as Bill and Teresa’s 46th Wedding Anniversary. His 3 children and
7 grandchildren will be marching with pride.

The march takes place on Sunday the 18th from 1-3pm and the post parade party takes place from 2-6pm.  Their family, relations and friends here in Cheekpoint, Ballygunner, Passage East and Woodstown and throughout Waterford will be also marching at least in spirit, wishing Bill and Teresa many future St Patrick Day festivities together.  


Many thanks to my cousin Ryan for helping me to put this together and sourcing the photos. 


Post script: Some photos of the actual event… Looks fabulous 


My book on growing up in a fishing village is now published.     

Details of online purchases, local stockists or ebook store available here
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Before the Tide Went Out on Nationwide

On the night of my book launch Nationwide, the show that showcases positivity, human interest and regional stories, came along to capture the scene and the atmosphere of the night.  This was followed up with an interview in Cheekpoint one dry crisp November sunrise.  And now complete with some vintage footage of my then ten year old son Joel in 2006 fishing our last season in the village, a package will go out tomorrow, Wednesday 14th March at 7pm on RTE1.
RTE’s SE Correspondent, Damien Tiernan, who did the official launch

If you can’t make the show, the RTE Player will host it afterwards, and I believe it is available internationally too.  Some previous footage and more of film makers Brian and Suzanne Walsh’s pieces can be accessed here via Vimeo. 
the front cover via Tomás Sullivan

For a link to the book including reviews click here.

My online gallery of how far the tide drifted is here.

If you missed the launch, here’s an account here

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Carnage on the seas, January 1862

A stormy January in 1862 saw tremendous seas and howling gales that created havoc in the Irish seas and beyond.  As ships do, they sat it out where possible and then when it passed, they raised anchor and got underway.  The gales however had not gone, merely abated.  The local Waterford paper, the New & Star was so gripped by the problems that it caused for shipping that it devoted half a page to describing the impact, almost totally in relation to Waterford ships or incidents in the harbour or on our coast.  From what I have read at least six ships were lost in Waterford that month and many more were damaged.  This week I thought I would bring you part of the actual reportage from the News & Star, and their unnamed journalist, to give a sense of the time. 

“The details of the disastrous effects of the terrible weather of the past week arrive with intense impact upon this part of Ireland, as the fury of those gales made our lee shore the sorrowful and fatal alternative of many fine ships and many gallant, free-hearted, and generous mariners, whose lives have at length fallen victim to the untimely fate which the majority of chances are in favour of those who choose to plough the ocean in search of bread and independence—the former hardly earned, and the latter so seldom attained by the achievement of what is indispensable to that coveted prize, independence.

After the storm of Thursday and Friday last, Saturday opened up beautifully fine, and although the wind continued about SE giving a note of unsettled weather, the sea bore a comparatively tranquil aspect, looking, on our visit to Annestown, as if its mighty jaws had never engulfed a human life, or swallowed up or torn to fragments the most stupendous work of man’s ingenuity and ability in naval architecture, showing though everlasting and warning superiority of nature over man’s greatest creation. In the midst of the ruin that was there, and the painful rumour we had heard the previous day of the probable immense destruction of human life here, it was gladdening to tho heart to hear hopes expressed that the dreadful fears were unfounded, and subsequent intelligence dispelled the gloom which the horrors of the loss of an emigrant vessel’s crew and passengers had awakened in the hearts of those who had for a time laboured under the sad impression.

The great misfortune attendant on this storm was, that a large number of vessels bound to Irish harbors and the Atlantic Ocean, had been tempted, to leave their ports of departure in England and Wales by the fine weather prevailing at the other side, in the early part of last week, and thus, when the severity of the gale broke upon them, the Channel may be said to have been ‘chock full’ of shipping. Nothing can better show the severity of the gale than the fact of the Coningbeg light-ship having been dragged for several miles from her mooring, to which, during many storms, she has for many years before held firm. On the Ballast Board in Dublin hearing of this casualty, which was so likely to prove fatal to the shipping heaving in night, not knowing the changed position of the light, and which, in fact, was near proving disastrous to a passing steamer for this port, another light ship was at once sent off, and on Sunday was moored in the proper place to mark those dangerous rocks, about twelve miles S. E. of Hook Tower, and off the Saltee Islands. The buoy which marked the South end of Long Bank, and also that of Splaugh Rock, on the Wexford coast, were washed away by the fury of the seas. The new steamer Pladda, which left this port on the 21st inst for Glasgow, was caught in the height of the gale on the 22nd, and after being 62 hours at sea, was obliged to run for Kingstown harbour, where also the steamer Troubadour, for Wexford sought refuge.

SS Pladda via Andy Kelly Collection

Amongst the disasters to Waterford shipping reported, we regret to hear of total loss, near Miltown, County Cork, of the fine schooner Prudence, Thomas, master, on her voyage from Limerick to London, laden with oats, melancholy to add, the  Captain and three of the crew were drowned, three others being saved. The Prudence was owned in this city by Capt Thomas Angel, and was formerly well known as on of the fast liners between Waterford and London, which in those days of sailing commerce, used to attract general attention in the Thames for their beauty of model and their  adaptability for trade.  Captain Thomas was well known here as bold and skilful mariner, and he left a. wife and two children to mourn over a good and kind husband and father. The others drowned were belonging to this city, and have also left families….

…The Flying Dutchman, Clarke, master, which arrived here on Monday from Llanelly experienced a terrific passage, and was driven up St. George’s Channel as far as Holyhead. The Captain saw a large ship, apparently a barque, with loss of mainmast, and crew lashed to the pumps, scudding before the gale off Arklow banks, but could not render any assistance. The Newcastle schooner, Whelan, of this port, arrived here last week, lost main boom and bulwark and became leaky in the gale.

The wreck at Annestown – the Indian Ocean.  We have ascertained the following additional particulars of the loss of this fine Australian vessel, on Benvoy Strand, at Annestown, on the morning of Friday 24th inst as briefly noted in last news. The Indian Ocean, one of the Slack Hall line of Australian packets, commanded by Capt. Russell, with a crew of twenty five men and a valuable cargo, but no passengers, left Liverpool on the previous Monday for Sydney N. S. W.  On Monday and Tuesday fine weather was experienced, but on Wednesday arose the gale to which on Friday this noble vessel fell victim. In the course of Wednesday, when about twenty miles from the scene of the disaster the vessel lost her bowsprit and rudder, and consequently became perfectly unmanageable. In this helpless condition she drifted coming nearer and nearer the rock bound coast toward which the fury of the gale was directed. Very early on Thursday morning, the brig Europa, from St. John’s, Newfoundland to Liverpool, Captain Welsh, owner, in command, came up to the drifting vessel and tried, but in vain owing to the tremendous seas running at the time, to take her in tow.  The Europa remained alongside until the evening, when her Captain intimated to Captain Russell, of the Indian Ocean, that he could not remain by the ship any longer with safety, and that the latter, seeing there was no possibility of rescuing his ship and justly fearful that longer delay would be to the destruction of his crew, abandoned his own vessel, and went on board the brig, which took all hands into Liverpool in safety where they arrived on Saturday morning, receiving on the voyage every attention from Captain Welsh which their destitute condition required.

A three master of the era to give a sense of scale
Wilhelm Hester [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

On Friday, at about three o’clock, an alarm was given to Mr John Short, coast guard officer in charge of the station at Annestown, that a large vessel was drifting rapidly into the bay, and would, in a short time be on the rocks. Immediately Mr. Short and his men repaired to Benvoy Strand, distant about half a mile from Annestown, and there saw the noble vessel advancing to her destruction iu the raging surf, the wind blowing S. W. fearfully at the time, on a shore that offers nothing but immediate obliteration. She for some time, struggled with her impending fate but suddenly with a fearful surge, she was cast on the rocks which are everywhere apparent on this iron-bound coast, two of her masts going by the board with a tremendous crash, the third having previously gone over.  For a short time she lay in this condition, her timbers groaning and parting, when about half-past three am she quickly gave way to the fury of the waves and the merciless rocks, and went to pieces, her wrecked hull and cargo being driven far in onto the beach by the tempest during the morning.  Throughout the scene the ultimate anxiety was felt as to the crew and passengers supposed to be on board, but as none were perceived it was surmised that the vessel had been abandoned, which fortunately proved to be the case. During the day, the beach became crowded with the villagers and inhabitants of the locality, all desirous to see the wreck, inspect whatever cargo might be driven ashore, and, if possible, learn the name of the vessel and the fate of her crew, then supposed to be drowned.  The paper alluded to last day, dated at Bombay, January 2nd, 1861, signed W. Nicholl and Co., and addressed to the commanding officer of the Indian Ocean, picked up on the strand, revealed the name of the ill-fated vessel by and bye portions of her cargo turned up. A large number of ale casks, completely new, were cast on shore, most of them stove in and emptied of their contents. Of that number, there were found twelve casks of ale unharmed, one of rum, and one of illuminating oil, in the same condition. The casks were stamped Burton Weir Brewery; brewed expressly for Australia; Marian, No. 1, 2,3.  The oil was stamped Gambriel, Brandon, and Co’s illuminating oil.  The rum being from R. W. Princeton, Liverpool.  There were also found eight bales of different coloured wrapping and printing paper, the brown of which was considerably damaged, the remainder in very good condition.  They were consigned to an establishment in Sydney.

Everywhere along the beach and among the rocks were seen the proofs of the destruction done to this nobel ship. At the further end of the strand, jammed  between some high rocks, a distance from the cliffs and in the water, were seen the stern of the vessel, keel uppermost, without her rudder. Her name Indian Ocean, appeared on the stern, painted in yellow letters on a green ground, and the name ‘Liverpool’ encircled the rudder.  Her hull had been sheathed with yellow metal, and was strongly fastened with iron knees and copper bolts. The timbers, masts, spars and gear, all piled in a heterogeneous mass on the strand, proclaimed her a new and powerful American built vessel well suited to her work, and a noble craft when afloat. From the moment of the disaster the coastguard under the direction of Mr. John G. Short, were on the spot taking care of the wreck, which, with the other property on shore, was taken in charge by Lloyd’s agent at this port, Mr, Josiah Williams, and his sub-agent at Waterford, Mr. Thomas Walsh, auctioneer, who has been most indefatigable in the discharge of a very onerous and disagreeable duty, rendered peculiarly so on this occasion by the number of juveniles of both sexes who crowded the beach on Friday and Saturday, and who plied hammers and pincers, where possible, to take off the metal and rip out nails. In this task Mr. Walsh was well aided by Mr. Short and his men. We also learned, whilst on the spot, that the ill-fated schooner Active, of Bristol, which struck in the same locality on the previous day, almost instantly went into fragments, and the five men on board, who were seen in the rigging crying for help, received no mercy on earth, but were in a moment swept into eternity, since which none of the bodies have been seen…”

The extract above is taken as written and using the language of the day from the Waterford News and Star 31.01.1862, page 3

I publish a maritime blog about Waterford harbours maritime heritage each Friday.
To subscribe to get it to your inbox email tidesntales@gmail.com
My Facebook and Twitter pages chronicle the daily happenings in our beautiful harbour:
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My book on growing up in a fishing village is now published.
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