This December marks 106 years since Waterford endured its worst maritime tragedy. The Clyde Shipping Company steamers Formby and Coningbeg were sunk by a U-boat in the Irish Sea in 1917. Tragically, 83 lives were lost, including 67 from Waterford and its surrounding areas. To remember those tragic times a walk will be held to mark the loss of the Coningbeg and Formby.
Poster of the event
To honor the memory of those lost, a free guided walk will take place on Sunday 15th December commencing at 11am from the Clyde Building on the Quay. Co-hosted by myself and historian/author Cian Manning, the walk will explore this poignant chapter of Waterford’s history. Participants will follow a looped route, culminating at the memorial by the Tower Hotel.
The walk is expected to last 1.5 hours. Donations, if desired, can be made to WLR FM’s Christmas Appeal in aid of St. Vincent de Paul.
Andrew and Cian, Just to say thank you for the informative talk and walk today. My grandfather perished in the Coningbeg and his death was a family tragedy as it was for so many in Waterford. It was good to meet other descendants with similar memories.
Im glad it was of value to you John, hopefully we can find a way to make it a more frequent event in some fitting way. I think the opportunity to meet and talk could be enhanced, but would take a bit more work which is difficult when we are doing it voluntarily. Thank you for coming.