Loss_Of_Light_Lenka_Nagyova by Lenka Nagyova

LOSS OF LIGHT

LENKA NAGYOVA

ATLANTIC OCEAN SOUTHWEST COAST OF REPUBLIC OF IRELAND

51°23.358’ North 09°36.178’ West

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - - - - - - - First there was light.

LOSS OF LIGHT

LENKA NAGYOVA

Loss of Light

Publication by Lenka Nagyova at the Institute of Art, Design and Technology, Dún Laoghaire, Dublin, Ireland. Authors of sections, quotations and academic theory are cited throughout. Edited, collated and designed by Lenka Nagyova. All rights reserved, 2022: no part of this book can be reproduced, in any form, without written permission from the editor. Lone Rocks Publishers 2022 ©Lenka Nagyova, 2022

First there was light.

In search of the Light, that I have never known.

Loss of Light

“From the deep blue sea, a lo stands proud in the ocean’s Many’s the hull has been lo her, many’s the life as well As ships sailed near, the cre fear this rock they knew by They’d need a mark to guid by, they’d need a house wit

First there was light.

onely rock s swell. ost to l, ew would y sight. de them th light.”

Loss of Light

Content

For the Safety of All.

First there was light.

Introduction

The loss of Stephen Whitney

Port in a storm

Clearing the Fog New Light on the Southwest Coast of Ireland

First there was light.

44 Life in

82 Isolation.

Navigating the Future.

Rock that Stands Alone

When the Lights go out

Men of the Lights

88 Bibliography.

Loss of Light

Introduction.

Roger O’Reilly Irish Times Fri, Nov 16, 2018

There are twelve lighthouses in Great Lighthouses of Ireland and seventy in total still playing a vital role in maritime safety around the coast of the island today.

For Safety All. Firstthe there wasoflight.

In the days before easy communications, to a ship on the final and perhaps most treacherous part of its voyage, the flash of the lighthouse would have signaled the end of a long journey and safe harbour for some wellearned respite. To present-day admirers, the lighthouse represents a unique part of our maritime history and an aesthetically pleasing part of our built heritage. While at its core, a lighthouse is simply a tower and a beacon, these structures have captured the imagination in a way that few other buildings have, conjuring images of romance and adventure, danger and deliverance in the minds of landlubbers and mariners alike.

Loss of Light

Port in the storm.

Lighthouses and beacons are towers with bright lights and fog horns located at important or dangerous locations. They can be found on rocky cliffs or sandy shoals on land, on wave-swept reefs in the sea, and at entrances to harbors and bays. They serve to warn mariners of dangerous shallows and perilous rocky coasts, and they help guide vessels safely into and out of harbors. The messages of these long-trusted aids to navigation are simple: either Stay away, Danger, Beware or Come this way. While lighthouses still guide seafarers, nowadays, the Global Positioning System , NOAA’s nautical charts, lighted navigational aids, buoys, radar beacons, and other aids to navigation effectively warn mariners of dangerous areas and guide them to safe harbors.

First there wasoflight. For the Safety All.

“ They’re a special type of historic landmark that evoke emotions out of people, whether you’re drawn to them because of the architecture or because of the beauty of the surroundings or because of the adventure of just climbing and getting to them. That’s a big part of it”

Many maritime experts agree that the beautiful buildings are still needed, especially as a visual point of reference that can warn mariners about dangerous shallows and perilous coasts. “Oftentimes, lighthouses mark dangerous points in the water, reefs or shoals or promontories that stick out into the water that people can’t see with the naked eye,” Gales said, adding, “and certainly if your GPS goes down, a lighthouse can definitely be helpful.”

Loss of Light

FIRST THERE WAS LIGHT.

First there was light.

Loss of Light

A MAP HIGHLIGHTS THREE LIGHTHOUSES THAT AIMED TO LIT UP SOUTHWEST SIDE OF IRELAND. 6.5 km distance between Cape Clear Islad and Fastnet Rock.

FASTNET ROCK 1854-1904 FASTNETS’ FIRST LIGHTHOUSE

1904 - PRESENT FASTNETS’ 2ND LIGHTHOUSE

First there was light.

CAPE CLEAR ISLAND

1818 - 1854 CAPE CLEAR LIGHTHOUSE

Loss of Light

The Loss of Stephen Whitney.

Irish Shipwrecks Report archived on May 3rd 2009

The following copy of a letter from J.Allen, chief mate of the Stephen Whitney, was received by her consignees, Messrs F.& J Sands, and is dated Skull, Nov. 12 1847

First there was light.

It is my painful duty to inform you of the loss of the Stephen Whitney with her noble commander on the night of the 10th inst We had no observation on that day Wind strong from SW weather thick. At six o’clock p.m. we close reefed the topsails and reefed the course intending to haul off the land at eight pm But at eight precisely we made the land off Crookhaven which we judged by the lighthouse to be the Old Head of Kinsale. We immediately made all possible sail and hauled off shore. At nine kept away Channel course judging we were clear of all danger but at ten made the land ahead within pistol shot. In the act of staying (owing to the tremendous sea) the ship went ashore stern first nearly broadside on.

lessincluded than ten Popham, minutes, a92highly passengers and crew were “hurled into etern hey respected captain, who wasMany dashed aga eph Cleburn of Bandon.Seventy-six passengers perished. of Am the upied cabins, not those in steerage class.But there were survivors. ed with guilt for not trying to save his drowning father, he had to be re Loss a ofsailor Light with seventeen years experience, provided a graphic aryland, once, time to get them down”. When the bales of cotton fell overboard, “pe others, including Smith, were “A under very heavy sea washed We then crept up the arock till we feltspared: the grass our feet, and thenu he mate said ‘There’s house’…” “The people of the house were as kind of took hisburning own clothes to coverallme. madeus usw Asthe thehouse ship rounded Mizen Head on Wednesday 10 They yman turf or wood, and theyoff kept their straw night to keep tuising to provide clothes for them.Meanwhile, the driver of the Skibbereen the coast between Crookhaven, Schulland andthe Baltimore in search November, the weather became the remains of the vessel, ground into“hazy” small pieces bywind a ferocious ame “hazy” and the wind strengthened. When the haze turned totide. thick e Clear light high above them.Believing that he was already at the Old strengthened. When the haze turned to thick fog, Captain an steering towards whatfriends he thought was Cork harbour.Attodinner, pasC king forward to meeting and relatives.According the Cork 1846/47, but being “disappointed in their hopes of settling in America”, W Popham from Cork was unable to make out the glow A cry went out: ahead!” Suddenly there wasbroadside tremendous c Recoiling from the“breakers original impact,with she then smashed again reed.“All onCape board were “stupefied horror and“hurled amazement”, decl ess than ten minutes, 92 passengers and crew were into etern of the Clear light high above them.Believing that hey Popham, a highly respected captain, who wasMany dashed aga ephincluded Cleburn of Bandon.Seventy-six passengers perished. of Am the upied cabins, not those in steerage class.But there were survivors. he was already at the Old Head of Kinsale, when he was ed with guilt for not trying to save his drowning father, he had to be re aryland, a sailor with seventeen years experience, provided a graphic once, time to get them down”. When thespared: bales of“Acotton fell overboard, “peu others, including Smith, were very heavy sea washed in reality still at Brow Head, Crookhaven, he began We thensaid crept‘There’s up the arock till we“The felt the grass under our feet, and then he mate house’…” people ofcover theall house were as kind man of the house took off hisburning own clothes to me. They made usw yuising turf or wood, and they kept their straw night to keep us tthe to provide clothes for them.Meanwhile, the driver of the Skibbereen steering towards what he thought was Cork harbour. the coast between Crookhaven, Schull and Baltimore in search remains of the vessel, ground into small pieces by a ferocious tide. ame “hazy” and the wind strengthened. When the haze turned to thick e Clear high above that heharbour.At was already at the Old an steering towards whatthem.Believing he congratulated thought was Cork dinner, pasC Atlight dinner, passengers officers on a safeto king forward to meeting friends and relatives.According the Cork 1846/47, but being “disappointed in their hopes of settling in America”, A cry went out: “breakers ahead!” Suddenly there was tremendous c Recoiling from the original impact, she then smashed broadside again reed.“All onPopham, board were “stupefied with horror and amazement”, decl journey in difficult weather. All were looking forward ess than ten minutes, 92 passengers and crew were “hurled into etern hey included a highly respected captain, who was dashed aga ephwith Cleburn of Bandon.Seventy-six passengers perished. the upied cabins, not those in steerage class.But there were survivors. Am ed guilt for not trying torelatives.According save his drowning father, heMany had toofbe re to meeting friends and to the Cork aryland, a sailor with seventeen years experience, provided a graphic o time to get them down”. When the bales of cotton fell overboard, “pe nce, others, including Smith, were spared: “A very heavy sea washed u We then crept up the rock till we felt the grass under our feet, and then he mate said ‘There’s a house’…” “The people ofcover theall house were as kind Constitution, many had emigrated from Ireland during man of the house took off hisburning own clothes to me. They made usw yuising turf or wood, and they kept their straw night to keep us tthe to provide clothes for them.Meanwhile, the driver of the Skibbereen thewinter coast between Crookhaven, Schull and Baltimore in search remains of the vessel, ground into small pieces byalready a ferocious the famine 1846/47, but being “disappointed ame “hazy” and the windof strengthened. When the haze turned totide. thick e Clear light high above them.Believing that heharbour.At was at the Old an steering towards what he thought was Cork dinner, pasC king forward to meeting friends and relatives.According to the Cork 1846/47, but being “disappointed in their hopes of settling in America”, A cry went out: “breakers ahead!” Suddenly there was tremendous c Recoiling from the original impact, she then smashed broadside again reed.“All on board were “stupefied with horror and amazement”, decl in their hopes of settling in America”, were returning ess than ten minutes, 92 passengers and crew were “hurled into etern hey included Popham, a in highly respected captain, who was dashed aga ephwith Cleburn of Bandon.Seventy-six passengers perished. Many ofbe the upied cabins, not those steerage class.But there were survivors. Am ed guilt for not trying to save his drowning father, he had to re aryland, a sailor with seventeen years experience, provided graphic once, time tocrept get them down”. When thespared: bales of cotton fell overboard, “peu home.Just 10 o’clock wind reached gale force. others, including Smith, were “A very heavy seaa washed We then upbefore the till we felt the grass under our feet, and then he mate ‘There’s arock house’…” “The people ofcover theall house were as kind man of said the house took off hisburning own clothes to me. They made usw yame turf or wood, and they kept their straw night to keep us t to provide clothes for them.Meanwhile, the driver of the Skibbereen uising the coast between Crookhaven, Schull and Baltimore in search the remains of the vessel, ground into small pieces by a ferocious tide. “hazy” and the wind strengthened. When the haze turned to thick A cry went out: “breakers ahead!” Suddenly there e Clear light high above them.Believing that he was already at the Old an steering towards what he thought was Cork harbour.At dinner, pas king forward to meeting friends and relatives.According to the Cork 1846/47, but being “disappointed in their hopes of settling in America”, A cry went out: “breakers ahead!” Suddenly there was tremendous cC Recoiling from the original impact, she then smashed broadside again reed.“All on board were “stupefied with horror and amazement”, decl ess than ten minutes, 92in passengers and crew were “hurled into etern hey included Popham, aseventeen highly respected captain, who was dashed aga eph Cleburn of Bandon.Seventy-six passengers perished. Many of the upied cabins, not those steerage class.But there were survivors. Am ed with guilt for not trying to save his drowning father, he had to be re aryland, a sailor with years experience, provided a graphic o time to get them down”. When the bales of cotton fell overboard, “pe nce, others, including Smith, were spared: “A very heavy sea washed u As the ship rounded Mizen Head on Wednesday 10 November, the wea was tremendous crash as the ship’s stern struck the We then crept up the rock till we felt the grass under our feet, and then he mate said ‘There’s a house’…” “The people of the house were as kind of the house took off his owninto clothes to cover me. They made us yame turf or wood, and they kept burning their straw all night totoin keep us w teman to provide clothes for them.Meanwhile, the driver of the Skibbereen uising the coast between Crookhaven, Schull and Baltimore search to thick fog, Captain W Popham from Cork was unable make ou the remains of the vessel, ground small pieces by ain ferocious tide. “hazy” and the wind strengthened. When the haze turned tostill thick Clear light high above them.Believing that he was already at the Old an steering towards what he thought was Cork harbour.At dinner, pas was already at the Old Head of Kinsale, when he was reality a king forward to meeting friends and relatives.According to the Cork C tip of Calfdinner, Island, near Skull.Recoiling from theAmerica”, 1846/47, but being “disappointed in their hopes of settling in A crywestern went out: “breakers ahead!” Suddenly there was tremendous was Cork passengers congratulated officers on ac Recoiling from the original impact, she then smashed broadside again reed.“All onharbour.At board were “stupefied with horror and amazement”, decl ess than ten minutes, passengers andCork crew were “hurled into of etern friends and relatives.According toclass.But the Constitution, many had hey included Popham, a92 highly respected captain, who was dashed aga eph Cleburn of Bandon.Seventy-six passengers perished. Many the upied cabins, not those in steerage there were survivors. Am “disappointed in their hopes of settling in America”, were retu original impact, she then smashed broadside against with guilt for not trying to save his drowning father, he had to be“pe re aryland, a sailor with seventeen years experience, provided graphic oed time to get them down”. When the bales of“Acotton fell overboard, A cry went out: “breakers ahead!” Suddenly there was tremendous cru nce, others, including Smith, were spared: very heavy seaa washed We then crept up the till we felt the grass under our feet, and then he mate said ‘There’s arock house’…” “The people of theall house were asagain kind Recoiling from the original impact, she then smashed broadside man of the house took off his own clothes to cover me. They made us the rocks.After the vessel struck a third time, it was left y turf or wood, and they kept burning their straw night to keep us w tthe to remains provide clothes for them.Meanwhile, the driver of the Skibbereen reed.“All on board were “stupefied with horror and amazement”, decl uising the coast between Crookhaven, Schull and Baltimore in search of the vessel, ground into small pieces by a ferocious tide. ame “hazy” and theabove wind strengthened. When the haze turned toeterni thick ess than ten minutes, 92 passengers and crew were “hurled into e Clear light high them.Believing that he was already at the Old an steering towards what he thought was Cork harbour.At dinner, pas king forward tolike meeting friends and relatives.According to the Cork eyAincluded Popham, a highly captain, who was dashed agai shaking aoriginal reed.“All onrespected board were “stupefied with 1846/47, but being “disappointed in their hopes of settling in America”, cry went out: ahead!” Suddenly there was tremendous cC Recoiling from the“breakers impact, she then smashed broadside again eph Cleburn of Bandon.Seventy-six passengers perished. Many of thei reed.“All onPopham, board were “stupefied with horror and amazement”, decl ess than ten minutes, 92 passengers and crew were “hurled into etern hey included a highly respected captain, who was dashed aga upied cabins, not those in steerage class.But there were survivors. Am eph Cleburn of Bandon.Seventy-six passengers perished. Many of the horror and amazement”, declared the Cork Examiner. upied cabins, notnot those in steerage class.But there were survivors. Am ed with guilt for not trying toHead save his drowning father, he had to be re ed with guilt for trying to save his drowning father, he had to be re aryland, sailor with seventeen years experience, provided graphic oaryland, time get them down”. When the bales of“Acotton fell “pe Astoship the ship rounded Mizen Head on Wednesday 10overboard, November, the As the rounded Mizen on Wednesday 10provided November, the we aa thick sailor with seventeen years experience, aa washed graphic nce, others, including Smith, were spared: very heavy seato ua then crept upfog, the rock till we felt the grass under our feet, and then he mate said ‘There’s a house’…” “The people of the house were as kind to Captain W Popham from Cork was unable to mak to thick fog, Captain W Popham from Cork was unable make oWe time to get them down”. When the bales of cotton fell overboard, “peo man of the house took off his own clothes to cover me. They made us “It was evident the ill-fated ship was doomed”. ynce, turf or wood, and they kept burning their straw all night to keep usou w t to provide clothes for them.Meanwhile, the driver of the Skibbereen was already at the Old Head of Kinsale, when he was in reality s was already at the Old Head of Kinsale, when he was in reality still a others, including Smith, were spared: “A very heavy sea washed u uising the coast between Crookhaven, Schull and Baltimore in search the remains of the vessel, ground into small pieces by a ferocious tide. ame “hazy” and wind strengthened. When the haze turned to thick was Cork harbour.At dinner, passengers congratulated officers was Cork harbour.At dinner, passengers congratulated officers on a We then crept upthe the rock tillHead we92 felt the grass under our feet, then eAs Clear light high above them.Believing that he was already atand the Old an steering towards what he thought was Cork harbour.At pas In less than ten minutes, passengers and crew were king forward to meeting friends and relatives.According to the Cork friends and relatives.According toWednesday the Cork Constitution, many friends and relatives.According to the Cork Constitution, many had the ship rounded Mizen Wednesday 10 November, the wea 1846/47, but being “disappointed inon their hopes of settling indinner, America”, AAs cry went out: “breakers ahead!” Suddenly there was tremendous cC the ship rounded Mizen Head on 10 November, the w Recoiling from the original impact, she then smashed broadside again “disappointed in their hopes of settling in America”, wer “disappointed in their hopes of settling in America”, were ret to thick fog, Captain W Popham from Cork was unable to make ou reed.“All on board were “stupefied with horror and amazement”, decl ess than tenwent minutes, passengers and crew were “hurled into etern to thick fog, Captain W Popham from Cork was unable to of make hey Popham, a92highly respected captain, who was dashed aga A cry out: “breakers ahead!” Suddenly there tremendo Aincluded cry went out: “breakers ahead!” Suddenly there was tremendous was already at the Old Head of Kinsale, when he was inwas reality still aca eph Cleburn of Bandon.Seventy-six passengers perished. Many the “hurled into eternity”.Sixteen of the crew died, drowned was already at the Old Head of Kinsale, when he was in reality stil Recoiling from the original impact, she then smashed broadside Recoiling from the original impact, she then smashed broadside again was Cork harbour.At dinner, passengers congratulated officers on a was Cork harbour.At dinner, passengers congratulated officers on reed.“All on board were “stupefied with horror and amazement”, reed.“All on board were “stupefied with horror and amazement”, decl friends and relatives.According to the Cork Constitution, many had orthan were crushed to death by the ship. They included friends and relatives.According to the Cork Constitution, many ha In less ten minutes, 92 passengers and crew were “hurled into et ess than ten minutes, 92 passengers and crew were “hurled into etern “disappointed in their hopes of settling in America”, were retu “disappointed in their hopes of settling in America”, were r They included Popham, aahead!” highly respected captain, who was dashed hey included Popham, a highly respected captain, who was dashed aga A cry went out: “breakers Suddenly there was tremendous cr A cry went out: “breakers ahead!” Suddenly there was tremendous Joseph Cleburn of Bandon.Seventy-six passengers perished. Many of eph Cleburn of Bandon.Seventy-six passengers perished. Many of the Recoiling from the original impact, she then smashed broadside again Popham, a highly respected captain, who was dashed As the ship rounded Mizen Head on Wednesday 10 November, the we Recoiling from the original impact, she then smashed broadside aga occupied cabins, not those in steerage class.But there were survivors. upied cabins, not those in steerage class.But there were survivors. Am reed.“All on board were “stupefied with horror and amazement”, decl to already thick fog, Captain W Popham from Cork was unable to make ou reed.“All on board were “stupefied with horror and amazement”, iddled with guilt for not trying toKinsale, save his drowning father, heinto had tode ed with guilt for not trying to save his drowning father, hereality had toeterni be re ess than ten minutes, 92 passengers and crew were “hurled into was at the Old Head of when he was in still ab against the cliffs while trying to swim ashore Another n less than ten minutes, 92 passengers and crew were “hurled eter Maryland, a sailor with seventeen years experience, provided a grap aryland, a sailor with seventeen years experience, provided a graphic ey included Popham, a highly respected captain, who was dashed agai As the ship rounded Mizen Head on Wednesday 10 November, the was Cork harbour.At dinner, passengers congratulated officers on a They included Popham, a highly respected captain, who was dashed ag no time to get them down”. When the bales of cotton fell overboard oeph time to get them down”. When the bales of cotton fell overboard, “pe Cleburn of Bandon.Seventy-six passengers perished. Many of thei toothers, thick fog, Captain W Popham from Cork was unable mak friends and relatives.According to the Cork Constitution, many had oseph Cleburn of Bandon.Seventy-six passengers perished. Many of th chance, including Smith, were spared: “A very heavy seatowash nce, others, including Smith, were spared: “A very heavy sea washed upied cabins, not in steerage class.But there were survivors. Am victim was athose local man, Joseph Cleburn of Bandon. was already at the Old Head of Kinsale, when he was in reality stu “disappointed in their hopes of settling in America”, were ret ccupied cabins, not those in steerage class.But there were survivors. A We then crept up the rock till we felt the grass under our feet, and We then crept up the rock till we felt the grass under our feet, and then ed with guilt for not trying to save his drowning father, he had to be re was Cork harbour.At dinner, passengers congratulated officers A cry went out: “breakers ahead!” Suddenly there was tremendous cka dled with guilt for not trying to save his drowning father, he had to be The mate said ‘There’s a house’…” “The people of the house were as he mate said ‘There’s a house’…” “The people of the house were as kind aryland, a sailor with seventeen years experience, provided a graphic friends and relatives.According toMany the Cork Constitution, Recoiling from the original impact, she then smashed broadside again Seventy-six passengers perished. of their names Maryland, ahouse sailor with seventeen years experience, provided a many graphi the man of the house took off his own clothes to cover me. They mad man of the took off his own clothes to cover me. They made us oynce, time to get them down”. When the bales of cotton fell overboard, “peo “disappointed in their hopes of settling in America”, were reed.“All on board were “stupefied with horror and amazement”, decl no time to get them down”. When the bales of cotton fell overboard, any turf orwent wood, and they kept burning their straw allwas night to keep turf or wood, and they kept burning their straw all night to keep us “p w others, including Smith, were spared: “A very heavy sea washed u A cry out: “breakers ahead!” Suddenly there tremendo ess than ten minutes, 92 passengers and crew were “hurled into etern hance, others, including Smith, were spared: “A very heavy sea washed best to provide clothes for them.Meanwhile, the driver of the Skibber tuising to provide clothes for them.Meanwhile, the driver of the Skibbereen We then crept up the rock till we felt the grass under our feet, and then were unknown because the ship only carried records of Recoiling from the original impact, she then smashed broadside a hey included Popham, a highly respected captain, who was dashed aga We then crept up the rock till we felt the grass under our feet, and th As the ship rounded Mizen Head on Wednesday 10 November, the cruising the coast between Crookhaven, Schull and Baltimore in sea the coast between Crookhaven, Schull and Baltimore in search reed.“All on board “stupefied with horror and amazement”, eph Cleburn of Bandon.Seventy-six passengers perished. Many of the The mate said ‘There’s awere house’…” “The people of the house as kin –man the remains of the vessel, ground into small pieces by awere ferocious t the remains of the vessel, ground into small pieces by ahaze ferocious tide. to thick fog, Captain W Popham from Cork was unable to mak In less than ten minutes, 92highly passengers and crew “hurled into et upied cabins, not those in steerage class.But there were survivors. Am he of the house took off his own clothes to cover me. They made became “hazy” and the wind strengthened. When the turned tore ame “hazy” and the strengthened. When the haze turned to thick was already atwind the Old Head of Kinsale, when he was in reality sut They included Popham, a respected captain, who was dashed ed with guilt for not trying to save his drowning father, he had to be Cape Clear light high above them.Believing that he was already at the e Clear light high above them.Believing that he was already at the Old ny turf or wood, and they kept burning their straw all night to keep us was Cork harbour.At dinner, passengers congratulated officers began steering towards what he thought was Cork harbour.At dinner, an steering towards what he thought was Cork harbour.At dinner, pas Joseph Cleburn of Bandon.Seventy-six passengers perished. Many of aryland, acabins, sailor with seventeen years experience, provided aSkibberee graphic est toforward provide clothes for them.Meanwhile, the driver of the friends and relatives.According to the Cork Constitution, many looking forward to meeting and relatives.According to the Co king to meeting friends and relatives.According to the Cork C occupied not those infriends steerage class.But there were survivors. ocruising time to get them down”. When the bales of“A cotton fell overboard, “pe the coast between Crookhaven, Schull and Baltimore in searc “disappointed in their hopes of settling in America”, wer 1846/47, but being “disappointed in their hopes of settling in Amer 1846/47, but being “disappointed in their hopes of settling in America”, iddled with guilt for not trying to save his drowning father, he had to b nce, others, including Smith, were spared: very heavy sea washed u – the remains of the vessel, ground into small pieces by a ferocious tid A cry went out: “breakers ahead!” Suddenly there was tremendous c A cry went out: “breakers ahead!” Suddenly there was tremendo ecame “hazy” and the wind strengthened. When the haze turned to thi Maryland, afrom sailor with seventeen years experience, provided aagain grap We then crept up the rock till we feltwith the grass under our feet, and then Recoiling from the original impact, she then smashed broadside a Recoiling from the original impact, she then smashed broadside Recoiling the original impact, she then smashed broadside a ape Clear light high above them.Believing that he was already at the O reed.“All on board were “stupefied with horror and amazement”, reed.“All on board were “stupefied horror and amazement”, decl no time to get them down”. When the bales of cotton fell overboard, In less than ten minutes, passengers and crew were “hurled into ess than ten Popham, minutes, passengers and crew were “hurled into etern reed.“All on board “stupefied with horror and amazement”, gan steering towards what he thought was Cork harbour.At dinner, pet chance, others, including Smith, were spared: “A very heavy sea wash They included Popham, a92 highly respected captain, who was dashed hey included a92were highly respected captain, who was dashed aga oking forward to meeting friends and relatives.According to the In less than ten minutes, 92 passengers and crew were “hurled into et Joseph Cleburn of Bandon.Seventy-six passengers perished. Many of eph Cleburn of Bandon.Seventy-six passengers perished. Many ofCork the We then crept up the rock till we felt the grass under our feet, and 1846/47, but being “disappointed in their hopes of settling in America occupied cabins, not those in steerage class.But there were survivors. upied cabins, not those in steerage class.But there were survivors. Am They included Popham, a highly respected captain, who was dashed A cry went out: “breakers ahead!” Suddenly there was tremendous The mate said ‘There’s a house’…” “The people of the house were as kb iddled with guilt for not trying to save his drowning father, he had to ed with guilt for not trying to save his drowning father, he had to be re Joseph Cleburn of Bandon.Seventy-six passengers perished. Many of Recoiling from the original impact, she then smashed broadside aga Maryland, a sailor with seventeen years experience, provided amad grap aryland, aof sailor with seventeen experience, provided a graphic the man the house took off hisyears own clothes to cover me. They reed.“All on board were “stupefied with horror and amazement”, deu no time to get them down”. When the bales of cotton fell overboard on time to others, get them down”. When the bales of cotton fell“hurled overboard, “pe occupied cabins, not those in steerage class.But there were survivors. less than ten minutes, 92 passengers and crew were into eter any turf or wood, and they kept burning their straw all night to keep chance, including Smith, were spared: “A very heavy sea wash nce, others, including Smith, were spared: “A very heavy sea washed iddled with guilt for not trying to save his drowning father, he had to They included Popham, a highly respected captain, who was dashed ag We then crept uparock the till we“The felt the grass under our feet, and We then crept the till we felt the grass under our feet, and then best to provide clothes for them.Meanwhile, the driver of the Skibber oseph Cleburn of Bandon.Seventy-six passengers perished. Many of th The mate said ‘There’s arock house’…” people ofand the house were as kb he mate said ‘There’s house’…” “The people of the house were as kind Maryland, aup sailor with seventeen years experience, provided ain grap the man of the house took off his own clothes to cover me. They mad ccupied cabins, not those in steerage class.But there were survivors. A man of the house took off his own clothes to cover me. They made us cruising the coast between Crookhaven, Schull Baltimore sea any turf or wood, and they kept burning their straw all night to keep yuising turf or wood, and they kept burning their straw all night to keep us w no time to get them down”. When the bales of cotton fell overboard dled with guilt for not trying to save his drowning father, he had to be best –– provide the tothe remains provide clothes of the vessel, for them.Meanwhile, ground into small the pieces driver by ofaaSkibbereen the ferocious ttt tno to for them.Meanwhile, the driver of the Maryland, aclothes sailor with seventeen years experience, provided aSkibber graphi cruising the coast between Crookhaven, Schull and Baltimore in sea coast between Crookhaven, Schull and Baltimore insea search chance, others, including Smith, were spared: “A very heavy wash became “hazy” and the wind strengthened. When the haze turned to the remains of the vessel, ground into small pieces by ferocious time to get them down”. When the bales of cotton fell overboard, “p the remains of the vessel, ground into small pieces by a ferocious tide. became “hazy” and the wind strengthened. When the haze turned to t ame “hazy” and the wind strengthened. When the haze turned to thick Cape We Clear then light crept high up the above rock them.Believing till we felt the grass that he under was already our feet, at and the hance, others, including Smith, were spared: “A very heavy sea washed e Clear light high above them.Believing that he was already at the Old We then crept up the rock till we felt the grass under our feet, and th began steering towards what he thought was Cork harbour.At dinner, an steering towards what he thought was Cork harbour.At dinner, pas looking forward to meeting friends and relatives.According to the Co The mate said ‘There’s a house’…” “The people of the house were as kin king forward to meeting friends and relatives.According to the Cork C 1846/47, but being “disappointed in their hopes of settling in Amer he man of the house took off his own clothes to cover me. They made u 1846/47, but being “disappointed in their hopes of settling in America”, Awent cry went out: “breakers ahead!” Suddenly there was tremendo ny turf or wood, and they kept burning their straw all night toin keep uca Ato cry out: “breakers ahead!” Suddenly there was tremendous Recoiling from the original impact, she then smashed broadside est provide clothes for them.Meanwhile, the driver of the Skibberee Recoiling from the original impact, she then smashed broadside again reed.“All on board were “stupefied with horror and amazement”, cruising the between Crookhaven, Schull and Baltimore searc reed.“All oncoast board were “stupefied with horror and amazement”, decl In less than ten minutes, 92 passengers and crew were “hurled into et – the remains of the vessel, ground into small pieces by a ferocious tid ess than ten minutes, 92 passengers and crew were “hurled into etern They included Popham, a highly respected captain, who was dashed ecame “hazy” and the wind strengthened. When the haze turned to th hey included Popham, a highly respected captain, who was dashed aga ape Clear light high above them.Believing that he was already atof the O eph Cleburn of Bandon.Seventy-six passengers perished. Many the gan steering towards what he thought was Cork harbour.At dinner, p upied cabins, not those in steerage class.But there were survivors. Am oking forward to meeting friends and relatives.According to the Cork ed with guilt for not trying to save his drowning father, he had to be re 1846/47, but being “disappointed inbales their hopes ofprovided settling in Americ aryland, awent sailor with seventeen years experience, a washed graphic Aothers, cry out: “breakers ahead!” Suddenly there was tremendous once, time tocrept get them down”. When the of cotton fell overboard, “pe Recoiling from the original impact, she then smashed broadside aga including Smith, were spared: “A very heavy sea u reed.“All on board were “stupefied with horror and amazement”, de We then up the rock till we felt the grass under our feet, and then n less than ten minutes, 92 passengers and crew were “hurled into eter he mate said ‘There’s a house’…” “The people of the house were as kind included Popham, a highly respected captain, who was dashed ag man of the house took off his own clothes to cover me. They made us oseph Cleburn of Bandon.Seventy-six passengers perished. Many of th yThey turf or wood, and they kept burning their straw all night to keep us w cabins, notvessel, those in steerage class.But there were survivors. A tccupied to remains provide clothes for them.Meanwhile, thepieces driver Skibbereen 22 dled with guilt for not trying to save his drowning father, he had to be uising the coast between Crookhaven, Schull and Baltimore in search the of the ground into small byof athe ferocious tide. Maryland, aand sailor with seventeen years experience, provided athe graphi ame “hazy” the wind strengthened. When the haze turned to thick time to get them down”. When the bales of cotton fell overboard, “p eno Clear light high above them.Believing that he was already at Old an steering towards what he thought was Cork harbour.At dinner, pas hance, others, including Smith, were spared: “A very heavy sea washed king forward to meeting friends and relatives.According to the Cork We then crept up“breakers the rock till we felt the grass under our feet, and th 1846/47, but being “disappointed in“The their hopes of settling in America”, A cry went out: ahead!” Suddenly there was tremendous cCu The mate said ‘There’s a house’…” people of the house were as kin Recoiling from the original impact, she then smashed broadside again he man of the house took off his own clothes to cover me. They made reed.“All on board were “stupefied with horror and amazement”, decl essincluded thanorten minutes, passengers andtheir crew were “hurled into etern ny turf wood, and they keptrespected burning straw all was night to keep u hey Popham, a92highly captain, who dashed aga

ity”.Sixteen ofwhile the crew died, drowned or were crushed to death th ainst the cliffs trying to swim ashore Another victim was of a by local eir names were unknown because the ship only carried records thos mong themfrom was athrowing motherless boy, Patrick Patterson of Roscrea, Co Tipp estrained himself off the cliffs.William Smith from Ba First there was light. account of what happened: “We had all the necessary boats… but ther eople began jumping on them, thinking they were rocks, and drowned ondown… the rock, and we jumped off, of us without getting our fee nus sat We halloaed as loud asmany wehad could... butbut there was no answ to us as if we had all been brothers…I nothing my shirt on me some bread, I believe, used all their owntofood to make Theydid h warm…” Someand survivors were taken by boat Schull whereit… people nof mail coach took news of the disaster to Cork. Next morning, a revenu lost property fromMizen the Stephen Whitney, passed through a “sea of As theCaptain ship rounded Head on Wednesday 10 November, theglow wew k fog, W Popham from Cork was unable to make out the d Head ofcongratulated Kinsale, whenofficers he wason inareality still at Brow Head,weather. Crookhav ssengers safe journey in difficult A Constitution, many had emigrated from Ireland during the winter fam , were returning home.Just before 10 o’clock the wind reached gale for crash the ship’s stern struckstruck the western tip of Calf Island, near Skul nst theas rocks.After the vessel a third time, it was leftwas shaking lik lared the Cork Examiner. “It was evident the ill-fated ship doome ity”.Sixteen of the crew died, drowned or were crushed to death by th ainst the cliffs while trying to swim ashore Another victim was a local eir names were because the shipPatterson only carried recordsCo of thos mong themfrom was unknown athrowing motherless boy, Patrick of Roscrea, Tipp estrained himself off the cliffs.William Smithbut from Ba account of what happened: “We had all the necessary boats… ther eople began jumping on them, thinking they were rocks, and drowned us on the rock, and we jumped off, many of us without getting our fee ntosat halloaed as loud as wehad could... butbut there noon answ usdown… as ifSome weWe had beenwere brothers…I nothing mywas shirt me some bread, and Iall believe, used all their own food tomorning, make it… They h survivors taken by boat to Schull where people did nwarm…” mail coach took news of the disaster to Cork. Next a revenu of lost property from the Stephen Whitney, passed through a “sea of w As the ship rounded Mizen Head on Wednesday 10 November, the we k fog, Captain W Popham from Cork was unable to make out the glow d Head of Kinsale, when he was in reality still at Brow Head, Crookhav ssengers congratulated officers on a safe journey in difficult weather. A Constitution, many hadstruck emigrated from Ireland during the winter fam , were returning home.Just before 10 o’clock the wind reached gale for crash the ship’s stern theevident western tip of Calf Island, near Skul nst theas rocks.After the vessel struck a third time, it was left shaking lik lared the Cork Examiner. “It was the ill-fated ship was doome ity”.Sixteen of the crew died, drowned or were crushed to death by th ainst the cliffs while trying to swim ashore Another victim was a local eir names were unknown because the ship only carried records of thos mong them was athrowing motherless boy,had Patrick Patterson of Roscrea, Co ther Tipp estrained from himself off the cliffs.William Smith from Ba account of what happened: “We all the necessary boats… but eople began jumping onjumped them, thinking they were rocks, and no drowned on the rock, and we off, many of us without getting our fee nus sat down… We halloaed as loud as we could... but there was answ to us as ifSome weand had beenwere brothers…I had nothing but my shirt on me some bread, Iall believe, used all their own food to make it… They h survivors taken by boat to Schull where people did nwarm…” mail coach took news of the disaster to Cork. Next morning, a revenu of lost property from the Stephen Whitney, passed through a “sea of w As the ship rounded Mizen Head on Wednesday 10 November, the we k fog, Captain W Popham from Cork was unable to make out the glow d Head ofcongratulated Kinsale, when he wason inareality still at Brow Head, Crookhav ssengers officers safe journey in difficult weather. A Constitution, many had emigrated from Ireland during the winter fam , were returning home.Just before 10 o’clock the wind reached gale for crash the ship’s sternvessel struck theevident western tip of Calf Island, near Skul nst theas rocks.After struck a third time, it was left shaking lik lared the Cork Examiner. “It was ill-fated ship doome ity”.Sixteen ofwhile the the crew died, drowned orthe were crushed to was death th ainst the cliffs trying toboy, swim ashore Another victim wasCo a by local eir names were unknown because the ship only carried records of thos mong them was a motherless Patrick Patterson of Roscrea, Tipp estrained from throwing himself off the cliffs.William Smith from Ba account of what happened: “We had all the necessary boats… but ther eople began jumping onjumped them, thinking they rocks, and no drowned on the rock, and we off, many of uswere without getting our fee nus halloaed as loud astheir wehad could... butto there was answ tosat usdown… as ifSome weWe had been brothers…I nothing but my shirt on me some bread, and Iall believe, used all own food make it… They h warm…” survivors were taken by boat to Schull where people did nd mail coach took news of the disaster to Cork. Next morning, a revenu of lost property from the Stephen Whitney, passed through a “sea of w As the ship rounded Mizen Head on Wednesday 10 November, the we k fog, Captain W Popham from Cork was unable to make out the glow Head of Kinsale, when he was in reality still at Brow Head, Crookhav ssengers congratulated officers on a safe journey in difficult weather. A Constitution, many had emigrated from Ireland during the winter fam , were returning home.Just before 10 o’clock the wind reached gale for crash as the ship’s stern struck the western tip of Calf Island, near Skul nst the rocks.After the vessel struck athe third time, it of was left shaking lik lared the Cork Examiner. “It was evident the ill-fated ship was doome ity”.Sixteen of the crew died, drowned or were crushed to death by th ainst the cliffs while trying to swim ashore Another victim was a local eir names were unknown because the ship only carried records of thos mong them was a motherless boy, Patrick Patterson Roscrea, Co Tipp estrained from throwing himself off cliffs.William Smith from Ba account of what happened: “We had all the necessary boats… but ther eople began jumping on them, thinking they were rocks, and drowned us on the rock, and we jumped off, many of us without getting our fee ather became “hazy” and the wind strengthened. When the haze turn n sat down… We halloaed as loud as we could... but there was no answ to us as ifSome we had all been brothers…I had nothing but my shirt on me some bread, and IPopham believe, used all their own food make it… They hw warm…” survivors were taken by boat to Schull where people did nd mail coach took news of the disaster to Cork. Next morning, athe revenu lost property from the Stephen Whitney, passed through aCrookhav “sea of ut the glow of the Cape Clear light high above them.Believing that he As the ship rounded Mizen Head on Wednesday 10 November, the we kof fog, Captain W from Cork was unable toto make out glow Head of Kinsale, when he was in reality still at Brow Head, ssengers congratulated officers on a safe journey in difficult weather. A at Brow Head, Crookhaven, he began steering towards what he though Constitution, many had emigrated from Ireland during the winter fam , were returning home.Just before 10 o’clock the wind reached gale for crash as the ship’s stern struck the western tip of Calf Island, near Skul safe journey in difficult weather. All were looking forward to meeting nst thethe rocks.After the vessel struck a third time, it of was left shaking lik lared Cork Examiner. “It was evident the ill-fated ship was doome ity”.Sixteen of the crew died, drowned or were crushed to death by th emigrated from Ireland during the winter famine 1846/47, but bein ainst the cliffs while trying to swim ashore Another victim was a local eir names were unknown because the ship only carried records of thos mong them was athrowing motherless boy,had Patrick Patterson of gale Roscrea, Co Tipp urning home.Just before 10 o’clock the reached force. estrained from himself off the cliffs.William Smith from Ba account of what happened: “We allwind the necessary boats… but ther eople began jumping onstruck them, thinking they rocks, and drowned rash as the ship’s stern the western tip ofwithout Calf Island, near Skul on the rock, and we jumped off, many of uswere getting our fee nus sat down… We halloaed as loud as we could... but there was no answ to us as if we had all been brothers…I had nothing but my shirt on me nst the rocks.After the vessel struck a third time, it was left shaking lik some bread, and I believe, used all their own food to make it… They h warm…” Some survivors were taken by boat to Schull where people did nlared mail coach took news of the disaster to Cork. Next morning, revenu the Cork Examiner. “It was evident the ill-fated ship was doomed of lost property from the Stephen Whitney, passed through a athe “sea of w As the ship rounded Mizen Head on Wednesday 10 November, the we k fog, Captain W Popham from Cork was unable todifficult make out glow ity”.Sixteen of the crew died, drowned or were crushed to death by the d Head of Kinsale, when he was in reality still at Brow Head, Crookhav ssengers congratulated officers on a safe journey in weather. A Constitution, many had emigrated from Ireland during the winter fam inst the cliffs while trying to swim ashore Another victim was a local , were returning home.Just before 10 o’clock the wind reached gale for crash the ship’s stern struck theevident western tip ofcarried Calf Island, near Skul nst theas rocks.After the vessel struck a ship third time, it was left shaking lik ir names were unknown because the only records of thos lared the Cork Examiner. “It was the ill-fated ship doome ity”.Sixteen ofwhile the crew died, drowned orPatterson were crushed to was death th ainst the cliffs trying toboy, swim ashore Another victim wasCo a by local mong them was athrowing motherless Patrick of Roscrea, Tipp eir names were unknown because the ship only carried records of thos mong them was a motherless boy, Patrick Patterson of Roscrea, Co Tipp estrained from throwing himself off the cliffs.William Smith from Ba estrained from himself off the cliffs.William Smith from Ba of what happened: “We had allstrengthened. the necessary boats… but ther eople began jumping on them, thinking they were rocks, andhaze drowned eaccount weather became “hazy” and the wind When the haze eather became “hazy” and the wind strengthened. the turn account of what happened: “We had all the necessary boats… but there on the rock, and we jumped off, many of us without getting our fee nus down… We halloaed as loud as we could... butWhen there was no answ tosat us as if we had all been brothers…I had nothing but my shirt on me ke out the glow of the Cape Clear light high above them.Believing tha ut the glow of the Cape Clear light high above them.Believing that he ople began jumping on them, thinking they were rocks, and drowned some bread, and I believe, used all their own food to make it… They warm…” Some survivors were taken by boat to Schull where people did nstill mail coach took news of the disaster to Cork. Next morning, a revenu at Brow Head, Crookhaven, he began steering towards what he thhw at Brow Head, Crookhaven, he began steering towards what he though us on the rock, and we jumped off, many of us without getting our fee of lost property from the Stephen Whitney, passed through a “sea of As the ship rounded Mizen Head on Wednesday 10 November, the we k fog, Captain W Popham from Cork was unable to make out the glow on a safe journey in difficult weather. All were looking forward to me a safe journey in difficult weather. All were looking forward to meetin n sat down… We halloaed as loud as we could... but there was no answe d Head of Kinsale, when he was in reality still at Brow Head, Crookhav ssengers congratulated officers onthe afrom safe journey in difficult weather. A Constitution, many had emigrated Ireland during the winter fam emigrated from Ireland during the winter famine of 1846/47, but dcrash emigrated from Ireland during famine of 1846/47, but bein ather became “hazy” and the wind strengthened. When the haze turn ,had were returning home.Just before 10 o’clock the wind reached gale for as the ship’s stern struck the western tip of Calf Island, near Skul weather became “hazy” and the wind strengthened. When the haze tu nst the rocks.After the vessel struck awinter third time, itreached was left shaking lik re returning home.Just before 10 o’clock the wind gale force. turning home.Just before 10 o’clock the wind reached gale force. ut the glow of the Cape Clear light high above them.Believing that he lared the Cork Examiner. “It was evident the ill-fated ship was doome ity”.Sixteen of the crew died, drowned or were crushed to death by th eat out glow of the Cape Clear light high above them.Believing that h ainst the cliffs while trying to swim ashore Another victim was a local ous crash as theCrookhaven, ship’s stern struck thesteering western tip of Calf Island, near crash asrocks.After the ship’s stern struck the western tip of Calf Island, near Skul Brow Head, he began towards what he though eir names were unknown because the ship only carried records of thos llsafe at Brow Head, Crookhaven, he began steering towards what he thou against the rocks.After the vessel struck a third time, it was left shakin nst the the vessel struck a third time, it was left shaking lik journey in difficult weather. All were looking forward to meetin n a safe journey in difficult weather. All were looking forward to meet ,ad declared the Cork Examiner. “Itthe was evident the ill-fated ship was doo lared the Cork Examiner. “It was evident the ill-fated ship was doome emigrated from Ireland during winter famine of 1846/47, but bein emigrated from Ireland during the winter famine of 1846/47, but be ternity”.Sixteen ofwhile the crew died, drowned orreached were crushed to death bl nity”.Sixteen of the crew died, drowned or were crushed toforce. death by urning home.Just before 10to o’clock the wind gale home.Just before 10 o’clock the wind reached gale force. dreturning against the cliffs trying to swim ashore Another victim was ath ainst the cliffs while trying swim ashore Another victim was a local rash as the ship’s stern struck the western tip of Calf Island, near Skul s crash as the ship’s stern struck the western tip of Calf Island, near Sk f their names were unknown because the ship only carried records of eir names were unknown because the ship only carried records of thos nst the rocks.After the vessel struck a third time, it was left shaking lik eather became “hazy” and the wind strengthened. When the haze turn ainst the rocks.After the vessel struck a third time, it was left shaking .eclared Among them was athrowing motherless boy, Patrick Patterson of Roscrea, Co mong them was athrowing motherless boy, Patrick Patterson of Roscrea, Codoom Tipp lared the Cork Examiner. “It“It was evident the ill-fated ship was doomed ut the glow of the Cape Clear light high above them.Believing that he the Cork Examiner. was evident the ill-fated ship was be restrained from himself off the cliffs.William Smith from estrained from himself off the cliffs.William Smith from Bat ity”.Sixteen of the crew died, drowned or were crushed to death by the at Brow Head, Crookhaven, he began steering towards what he though rnity”.Sixteen of the crew died, drowned or were crushed to death by phic account of what happened: “We had all the necessary boats… but account of what happened: “We had all the necessary boats… but ther inst the cliffs while trying to swim ashore Another victim was a local eke weather became “hazy” and the wind strengthened. When the haze a safe journey in difficult weather. All were looking forward to meetin gainst the cliffs while trying to swim ashore Another victim was a loc d, “people began jumping on them, thinking they were rocks, and drow eople began jumping on them, thinking they were rocks, and drowned ir names were unknown because the ship only carried records of thos out the glow of the Cape Clear light high above them.Believing tha dturning emigrated from Ireland during the winter famine ofRoscrea, 1846/47, but bein heir names were unknown because the ship only records of th hed us on the rock, and we jumped off, many ofwithout uscarried without getting ou us on the rock, and we jumped off, many ofPatterson us getting our fee mong them was athrowing motherless boy, Patrick Patterson of Co Tipp till at Brow Head, Crookhaven, he began steering towards what he tho home.Just before 10 o’clock the wind reached gale force. Among them was athrowing motherless boy, Patrick of Roscrea, Co Tia then sat down… We halloaed as loud as we could... but there was no n sat down… We halloaed as loud as we could... but there was no answ estrained from himself off the cliffs.William Smith from Ba on a safe journey in difficult weather. All were looking forward to me as the ship’s stern struck the western tip of Calf Island, near Skul ecrash restrained from himself off the cliffs.William Smith from kind toasrocks.After us ifwhat we had all been brothers…I had nothing but my shirt on tous ussome if we had all been brothers…I had nothing but my shirt onthere me account ofas what happened: “We had all the necessary boats… but had emigrated from Ireland during the winter famine of 1846/47, but nst the the vessel struck a third time, it was left shaking lik ic account of happened: “We had all the necessary boats… but th de bread, and I believe, used all their own food to make it… Th some bread, and I believe, used all their own food to make it… They h ople began jumping on them, thinking they were rocks, and drowned e returning home.Just before 10 o’clock the wind reached gale force. lared the Cork Examiner. “It was evident the ill-fated ship was doome people began jumping on them, thinking they were rocks, and drown p us warm…” Some survivors were taken by boat to Schull where peopl warm…” Some survivors were taken by boat to Schull where people did us on the rock, and we jumped off, many of us without getting our fee ous crash as the ship’s stern struck the western tip of Calf Island, near ity”.Sixteen of the crew died, drowned or were crushed to death by th d us on the rock, and we jumped off, many of us without getting our fS reen mail coach took news of the disaster to Cork. Next morning, a re nhen mail coach took news of the disaster to Cork. Next morning, a revenu n sat down… We halloaed as loud as we could... but there was no answe against the rocks.After theand vessel struck a could... third time, it was left ainst thedown… cliffs while trying toasswim ashore Another victim was ashakin local sat We halloaed loud as we but there was no ans eof weather became “hazy” the wind strengthened. When haze arch of lost property from the Stephen Whitney, passed through athos “sea lost property from the Stephen Whitney, passed through athe “sea of w declared the Cork Examiner. “It was evident the ill-fated ship was doo eir names were unknown because the ship only carried records of nd to us as if we had all been brothers…I had nothing but my shirt on m tide. As the ship rounded Mizen Head on Wednesday 10 November, th As the ship rounded Mizen Head on Wednesday 10 November, the we ke out the glow of the Cape Clear light high above them.Believing tha ternity”.Sixteen of the crew died, drowned or were crushed to death b mong them was a motherless boy, Patrick Patterson of Roscrea, Co Tipp us some bread, and I believe, used all their own food to make it… They thick fog, Captain W Popham from Cork was unable to make out the k fog, Captain W Popham from Cork was unable to make out the glow still at Brow Head, Crookhaven, he began steering towards what he th dssengers against the cliffs while trying to swim ashore Another victim was aBa lo from throwing himself off cliffs.William Smith from eestrained Old Head of Kinsale, when he was inthe reality still atdifficult Brow Head, Croo Head ofcongratulated Kinsale, when he was in still at Brow Head, Crookhav us warm…” Some survivors taken by boat to Schull where people d on a emigrated safe journey in difficult weather. were looking forward to me ,account passengers congratulated officers on aAll safe journey in difficult weath officers on areality safe journey in weather. A their names were unknown because the ship only carried records of of what happened: “We had all the necessary boats… but ther mail coach took news ofwere the disaster to Cork. Next morning, a“sea reve had from Ireland during the winter famine of 1846/47, but ork Constitution, many had emigrated from Ireland during the winte Constitution, many had emigrated from Ireland during the winter fam .fen Among them was a motherless boy, Patrick Patterson of Roscrea, Co eople began jumping on them, thinking they were rocks, and drowned ch of lost property from the Stephen Whitney, passed through a o re returning home.Just before 10 o’clock the wind reached gale force. rica”, were returning home.Just before 10 o’clock the wind reached gal , were returning home.Just before 10 o’clock the wind reached gale for be As restrained from throwing himself off the cliffs.William Smith from on rock, and we jumped off, many oftipus without getting our fee de. the ship rounded Mizen Head on Wednesday 10 November, the w crash as the ship’s stern struck the western oftip Calf Island, near Skul ous crash as the ship’s stern struck the western ofwas Island, near hick fog, Captain W Popham from Cork was unable toCalf make out the glo phic account of what happened: “We had the necessary boats… but nus sat down… We halloaed as loud as we could... but there was no answ against the rocks.After the vessel struck aall third time, itship was left shakin nst the rocks.After the vessel struck areality third time, it left shaking lik against the rocks.After the vessel struck a third time, it was left shakin Old Head of Kinsale, when he was in still at Brow Head, Crookh , declared the Cork Examiner. “It was evident the ill-fated ship was doo lared the Cork Examiner. “It was evident the ill-fated was doome , “people began jumping on them, thinking they were rocks, and drow ternity”.Sixteen ofwhile the crew died, drowned orof were crushed toweather death bl nity”.Sixteen of the crew died, drowned or were crushed toship death ,hed declared the Cork Examiner. “It was evident the was doo passengers congratulated officers on afrom safe journey in difficult us on the rock, and we jumped off, many usill-fated without getting our dk against the cliffs trying toloud swim ashore Another victim was athab ainst the cliffs while trying to swim ashore Another victim was a by local Constitution, many had emigrated Ireland during the winter ff of the crew died, drowned orPatterson were crushed towas death fternity”.Sixteen their names were unknown because the ship only carried records of eir names were unknown because the ship only carried records of thos then sat down… We halloaed as as we could... but there no ca”, were returning home.Just before 10 o’clock the wind reached gale . Among them was a motherless boy, Patrick of Roscrea, Co mong them was a motherless boy, Patrick Patterson of Roscrea, Co Tipp d against the cliffs while trying to swim ashore Another victim was a l s crash as the ship’s stern struck the western tip of Calf Island, near Sk kind to us as if we had all been brothers…I had nothing but my shirt on be restrained from throwing himself off the cliffs.William Smith from estrained from throwing himself off the cliffs.William Smith from Ba f their names were unknown because the ship only carried records of ainst the rocks.After the vessel struck a third time, it was left shaking phic account ofwas what happened: “We had allthe the necessary boats… but account of what happened: “We had all the necessary boats… but ther de us some bread, and I believe, used all their own food to make it… Th eclared the Cork Examiner. “It was evident ill-fated ship was doom d, “people began jumping on them, thinking they were rocks, and drow eople began jumping on them, thinking they were rocks, and drowned . Among them a motherless boy, Patrick Patterson of Roscrea, Co rnity”.Sixteen of the crew died, drowned or were crushed to death by pn us warm…” Some survivors were by boat to Schull where peopl hed us ondown… the rock, and weasof jumped off, many ofwithout usNext without getting ou us on the rock, and we jumped off, many ofcould... us getting our fee be restrained from throwing himself off the cliffs.William Smith from gainst the cliffs while trying to swim ashore Another victim was ano loc then sat We halloaed as loud as we but there was at sat down… We halloaed loud astaken we could... but there was no answ reen mail coach took news the disaster to Cork. morning, a rev heir names were unknown because the ship only carried records of th kind to us as if we had all been brothers…I had nothing but my shirt on to us as if we had all been brothers…I had nothing but my shirt on me phic account of what happened: “We had all the necessary boats… but de us some bread, and I believe, used all their own food to make it… Th Among them was a motherless boy, Patrick Patterson of Roscrea, Co Ti some bread, and I believe, used all their own food to make it… They h of lost property from the Stephen Whitney, passed through adrow us warm…” Some survivors were taken by boat to Schull where peopl warm…” Some survivors were taken by boat to Schull where people did d, “people began jumping on them, thinking they were rocks, eparch restrained from throwing himself off the cliffs.William Smith from tide. reen As mail the coach ship rounded took news Mizen of the Head disaster on Wednesday to Cork. Next 10 November, morning, a“sea the rew n mail coach took news of the disaster to Cork. Next morning, aout revenu ic account of what happened: “We had all the necessary boats… but th arch of lost property from the Stephen Whitney, passed through athe “sea of lost property from the Stephen Whitney, passed through aand “sea of hed us on the rock, and we jumped off, many of us without getting ou thick fog, Captain W Popham from Cork was unable to make tide. As the ship rounded Mizen Head on Wednesday 10 November, th people began jumping on them, thinking they were rocks, and drown As the ship rounded Mizen Head on Wednesday 10 November, the we thick fog, Captain W Popham from Cork was unable to make out the k fog, Captain W Popham from Cork was unable to make out the glow e then Old Head sat down… of Kinsale, We halloaed when he as was loud in as reality we could... still at but Brow there Head, was Croo no aA d us on the rock, and we jumped off, many of us without getting our f d Head of Kinsale, when he was in reality still at Brow Head, Crookhav hen sat down… We halloaed as loud as we could... but there was no ans , passengers congratulated officers on afrom safe journey in difficult weath ssengers congratulated officers onbefore aall safe journey in difficult weather. ork Constitution, many had emigrated Ireland during the winte nd to us as if we had all been brothers…I had nothing but my shirt on m Constitution, many had emigrated from Ireland during the winter fam rica”, were returning home.Just 10 o’clock the wind reached gal us some bread, and I believe, used their own food to make it… They , were returning home.Just before 10 o’clock the wind reached gale for ous crash as the ship’s stern struck the western tip ofwas Calf Island, near us warm…” Some survivors were taken by to Schull where people d crash as the ship’s stern struck the western tip of Calf Island, near Skul against the rocks.After the vessel struck a boat third time, it was left shakin mail coach took news of“It the disaster to Cork. Next morning, a“sea reve nst the rocks.After the vessel struck aWhitney, third time, it left shaking lik ,en declared the Cork Examiner. “It was evident the ill-fated ship doo ch of lost property from the Stephen passed through adeath oblw lared the Cork Examiner. was evident the ill-fated ship was doome ternity”.Sixteen ofwhile the crew died, drowned or were crushed to was de. As the ship rounded Mizen Head on Wednesday 10 November, the nity”.Sixteen of the crew died, drowned or were crushed to death by th d against the cliffs trying to swim ashore Another victim was a hick fog, Captain W Popham from Cork was unable to make out the glo ainst the cliffs while trying to swim ashore Another victim was a local Old Head ofwere Kinsale, when heboy, wason in still carried at Brow Head, Crookh eir names unknown because the ship only records of thos passengers congratulated areality safe journey in mong them was athrowing motherless Patrick Patterson ofdifficult Roscrea, Co Tipp kestrained Constitution, many hadofficers emigrated from Ireland during the weather winter ff from himself off the cliffs.William Smith from Ba ca”, were returning home.Just before 10 o’clock the wind reached gale account of what happened: “We had all the necessary boats… but ther sus crash as the ship’s stern struck the western tip of Calf Island, near Sk eople began jumping on them, thinking they were rocks, and drowned ainst the rocks.After the vessel struck a third time, it was left shaking on the rock, and we jumped off, many of us without getting our fee eclared the Cork Examiner. “It was evident the ill-fated ship was doom n sat down… We halloaed as loud as we could... but there was no answ rnity”.Sixteen ofwhile the crew died, drowned or were crushed to death to usnames as ifSome we had been brothers…I had nothing but myrecords shirt on me gainst the cliffs trying totaken swim ashore Another victim was a by loc some bread, and Iall believe, used all their own food to make it… They ht heir were unknown because the ship only carried of th survivors were by boat to Schull where people did Among them was a motherless boy, Patrick Patterson of Roscrea, Co Ti n mail coach took news of the disaster to Cork. Next morning, a revenu ewarm…” restrained from throwing himself off the cliffs.William Smith from of lost property from the Stephen Whitney, passed through a “sea of w 23 As the ship rounded Mizen Head on Wednesday 10 November, the we account of what happened: “We had all the necessary boats… but thA kic fog, Captain W and Popham from Cork was unable todifficult make out the glow people began jumping on them, thinking they were rocks, and drown d Head of Kinsale, when he was in still at Brow Head, Crookhav ssengers congratulated officers on areality safe journey in weather. d us on the rock, we jumped off, many of us without getting our f Constitution, many had emigrated from Ireland during the winter fam hen sat down… We halloaed as loud as we could... but there was no ans , were returning home.Just before 10 o’clock the wind reached gale for crash as the ship’s stern struck the western tip of Calf Island, near Skul nd to us as ifSome we had been brothers…I had nothing but my shirt onth m nst the rocks.After the vessel struck atheir third time, it was left shaking lik us some bread, and Iall believe, all own to make it… They lared the Cork Examiner. “It was evident the ill-fated ship was doome nity”.Sixteen ofwhile the crew died, drowned or were crushed to death us warm…” survivors were taken by boat tofood Schull where people d ainst the cliffs trying to used swim ashore Another victim was a by local

When the haze turned to thick fog, Captain W Popham from Cork was unable to make out the glow of the Cape Clear light high above them.

Loss of Light

For the first 23 days of the voyage, nothing untoward occurred. But all this was to change when the Red Star Line packet ship approached Ireland’s perilous south coast. As the ship rounded Mizen Head on Wednesday 10 November, the weather became hazy and the wind strengthened. When the haze turned to thick fog, Captain W Popham from Cork was unable to make out the glow of the Cape Clear light high above them.Believing that he was already at the Old Head of Kinsale, when he was in reality still at Brow Head, Crookhaven, he began steering towards what he thought was Cork harbour. At dinner, passengers congratulated officers on a safe journey in difficult weather. All were looking forward to meeting friends and relatives.According to the Cork Constitution, many had emigrated from Ireland during the winter famine of 1846/47, but being disappointed in their hopes of settling in America, were returning home. Just before 10 o’clock the wind reached gale force. A cry went out: “breakers ahead!” Suddenly there was a tremendous crash as the ship’s stern struck the western tip of Calf Island, near Skull.Recoiling from the original impact, she then smashed broadside against the rocks. After the vessel struck a third time, it was left shaking like a reed. All on board were stupefied with horror and amazement. “It was evident the ill-fated ship was doomed”. In less than ten minutes, 92 passengers and crew were “hurled into eternity”. Sixteen of the crew died, drowned or were crushed to death by the ship. They included Popham, a highly respected captain, who was dashed against the cliffs while trying to swim ashore. Another victim was a local man, Joseph Cleburn of Bandon. Seventy-six passengers perished. Many of their names were unknown because the ship only carried records of those who occupied cabins, not those in steerage class. But there were survivors. Among them was a motherless boy, Patrick Patterson of Roscrea, Co Tipperary. Riddled with guilt for not trying to save his drowning father, he had to be restrained from throwing himself off

First there was light.

the cliffs.William Smith from Baltimore, Maryland, a sailor with seventeen years experience, provided a graphic account of what happened: “We had all the necessary boats… but there was no time to get them down”. When the bales of cotton fell overboard, “people began jumping on them, thinking they were rocks, and drowned”. By chance, others, including Smith, were spared. A very heavy sea washed us on the rock, and we jumped off, many of us without getting our feet wet. We then crept up the rock till we felt the grass under our feet, and then sat down. We halloaed as loud as we could but there was no answer. There was a house. The people of the house were as kind to us as if we had all been brothers.I had nothing but my shirt on me, and the man of the house took off his own clothes to cover me. They made us some bread, and I believe, used all their own food to make it. They had not any turf or wood, and they kept burning their straw all night to keep us warm. Some survivors were taken by boat to Schull where people did their best to provide clothes for them. Next morning, a revenue boat cruising the coast between Crookhaven, Schull and Baltimore in search of lost property from the Stephen Whitney, passed through a “sea of wood” – the remains of the vessel, ground into small pieces by a ferocious tide.Reports claimed that local people began to flock in thousands to the scene of the wreck to loot its valuable cargo. During the next few days, bodies were washed ashore: a child picked up at Roaring Water Bay; a richly dressed lady wearing three gold rings; and a sailor with only one shoe, thrown up on the rocks at Calf Island.

At around 10 pm, the ship struck the western tip of West Calf Island, completely breaking up within about ten minutes.

Loss of Light

STEPHEN WHITNEY SHIPWRECK

SOUTHWEST COAST OF IRELAND

First there was light.

CAPE CLEAR LIGHTHOUSE

STEPHEN WHITNEY CAPTAIN CREW LOST PASSENGERS LOST

C.W. Popham 15 76

OWNER FLAG PORT SHIP TYPE

Red Star Line American New York Sail Vessel

WRECK LOCATION DATE LOST CAUSE POSITION

West Calf Island between Cape Clear and Skull Co Cork 10-10-2847 Ran a Ground 51.28 N / 09.31 W

BUILDER BUILD DATE MATERIAL RIGGING STYLE

Built at New York 1840 Wood Full Rigged Ship

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FOGGY NIGHT IN DECEMBER 1847 CONFIRMED THE FACT THAT THE LIGHTHOUSE ON CAPE CLEAR ISLAND WAS NOT FULFILLING ITS ROLE.

The island proved to be the Western calf inside Cape Clear. The scene that followed baffles description. Out of 110 persons, passengers and crew, only nineteen are saved. ”Captain Popham was washed away from alongside me and I have no doubt was killed instantly”. In less than 15 minutes from the time the ship struck she went to atoms.The survivors are all landed here half naked and all more or less hurt on the wreck and rocks. The authorities here are very busy saving the wreck but it is in such a dreadful state that it will never pay the labour Several bodies have been found to day seamen and steerage passengers and were buried on the island. I have written to the Consul at Cork stating our loss and distress and hope to hear from him shortly, as we should have perished had it not been for the kindness of some gentlemen here Lieutenant Short of the coast guard, the Rev Mr Triphook, and the magistrate. Mr Limerick to whose kind offices we are deeply indebted. Lost Captain Popham, Mr Gill second mate. Cabin passengers Mr Roberts New York, Mr Cabe Ohio, Mr Fordyce Scotland, Dr Sweeny Ireland, Mr Robinson Liverpool, Mrs Shaw, England and two

First there was light.

children, the third mate Mr Mackay and I being the only ones saved from aft.We shall leave here for Liverpool as soon as we can arrange it. I send you a list of the cabin passengers as I do not know the names of the others. I am with respect Sir your most obedient servant Thomas Allen

Loss of Light

First there was light.

In less than half an hour, there were not two planks together.

Loss of Light

On 10 November in thick fog, the captain, C.W. Popham, mistook the Crookhaven lighthouse for the one at the Old Head of Kinsale and the lighthouse on Cape Clear Island was obscured by fog compounding the error in navigation. That then led to the building of the Fastnet Rock Lighthouse.

First there was light.

Nov. 12 1847 Shipwreck of Stephen Whitney near the CrockHaven

Loss of Light

Clearing the Fog.

The Economist 18 Dec 2008

The lighthouse was lit for the first time on January 1, 1954, and Cape Clear Lighthouse work was stopped.

First there was light.

The Corporation of Trinity House (British Lighthouse Services) decided in 1848 to reposition the lighthouse either lower down on the western end of the island or on Fastnet Rock, 6.5 km southwest of Cape Clear Construction of the first lighthouse began in 1853, and it first produced a light on 1 January 1854. The lighthouse replaced an early one built on Cape Clear Island in 1818, partly motivated by the loss of an American sailing packet, Stephen Whitney, in thick fog during November 1847 on nearby West Calf Island causing the death of 92 of her 110 passengers and crew.

Loss of Light

FASTNET ROCK

On 1st January 1854, Fastner Rock lits up

First there was light.

CAPE CLEAR

and Cape Clear light was discontinued forever.

Loss of Light

FASTNET ROCK HAS NEVER BEEN INHABITED AND FOR GOOD REASON. TINY, REMOTE AND EXPOSED, WITH NEITHER FRESH WATER NOR SOIL, IT IS AT THE MERCY OF THE ATLANTIC. BUILDING A SECURE LIGHTHOUSE THERE WAS TO BE THE COMMISSIONERS’ GREATEST CHALLENGE.

The new lighthouse was constructed of cast iron with an inner lining of brick and was designed by George Halpin. Costing £17,390, the tower was 63 feet 9 inches (19.43 m) tall with a 27 feet 8 inches (8.43 m) high lantern structure on top, giving a total height of around 91 feet (28 m). It had an oil-burning lamp of 38 kilocandelas; in contrast, modern lighthouses typically produce 1,300 kilocandelas. In 1883 an explosive fog signal was installed, which electrically detonated a small charge of guncotton every five minutes. The tower proved to be too weak since gales shook it to the point that crockery was sometimes thrown off tables, and a 273 liters cask of water lashed to the gallery 141 metres above high water was washed away. Various steps were taken to strengthen the tower, including fitting a casing around the bottom

First there was light.

section up to the second floor and filling it with stone, and the surrounding rock smoothed over. In 1865 the lower floors were filled in with solid material. A similar cast iron lighthouse at Calf Rock, at the southern entrance to Bantry Bay, completed in 1866, was similarly reinforced in 1872. Unfortunately, in October 1881, a storm tore down the unreinforced structure. It was finally realized that, given its location and importance, the Fastnet lighthouse was not strong enough. In 1891, the Board of Directors decided to replace the cast iron tower with a granite tower and to install a light as powerful as possible.

Loss of Light

First there was light.

In 1891 the Irish Lights Board resolved that the light on the Fastnet was not powerful enough for its position as the principal landfall light on the southwest coast. They applied for the sanction of the Elder Brethren of Trinity House to build a new tower to make it the best possible light.

Loss of Light

New Light on the Southwest Coast of Ireland.

The Commissioners of Irish Lights

It was decided to replace the Fastnet lighthouse, but it took nearly 20 years to prepare a design. The new building, designed by William Douglas, was an elegant stone tower made from 2,000 dovetailed interlocking precision-cut granite blocks.

First there was light.

In 1891 the Commissioners of Irish Lights had resolved that the light was not sufficiently powerful, particularly for the first landfall for many ships crossing the Atlantic. The replacement was constructed of stone, cast iron now being considered unsatisfactory – the whole of the nearby Calf tower above its strengthening casing had been carried away during a gale on 27 November 1881, although without loss of life. On the same day, the sea had broken the glass of the Fastnet Rock lantern.

Loss of Light

FASTNET ROCK

First there was light.

FASTNET LIGHTHOUSE POSITION LIGHT

RADAR BEACON FOG SIGNAL HEIGHT OF TOWER HEIGHT OF LIGHT

51° 23.3°North 9° 36.1°West Fl W 5s White Flash every 5 seconds, alsoexhibited by day when the fog signal is sounding: nominal range 27 nautical miles. Morse ‘G’on vessel’s radar display. 4 blasts every 60 seconds 54 metres 49 metres

Loss of Light

FASTNET ROCK

First there was light.

2ND FASTNET S’ LIGHTHOUSE

POSITION LIGHT

RADAR BEACON FOG SIGNAL HEIGHT OF TOWER HEIGHT OF LIGHT

Loss of Light

TIMELINE OF LIGHT AT SOUTHWEST COAST OR IRELAND 1818-1989

1818

LIGHTS AT CAPE CLEAR THE SOUTH-WEST CORNER OF IRELAND WAS MARKED BY A LIGHTHOUSE AT THE HIGHEST POINT OF THE SOUTHERN CLIFFS OF CAPE CLEAR ISLAND.

1847

1853

STEPHEN WHITNEY

FASTNET ROCK GETS ITS FIRST LIGHTHOUSE

The south-west corner of Ireland was marked by a lighthouse at the highest point of the southern cliffs of Cape Clear Island. The loss of an American packet ship Stephen Whitney near Crookhaven causing the death of 92 of 110 passengers and crew.

It was decided to reposition Cape Clear light to Fastnet rock, 6.5km south-west of Cape Clear. An external cast-iron casing was built around the original tower to the height of the second floor, the space between the original and new casing being filled with masonry.

First there was light.

1854

LITTING UP FASTNET ROCK THE NEW LIGHT WAS ESTABLISHED ON 1ST JANUARY 1854 AND CAPE CLEAR LIGHT WAS DISCONTINUED.

1881

1887

LIGHT GO OUT AT CALF ROCK

CLEARING OUT THE FOG

A similar cast iron lighthouse was similarly reinforced but during a storm in October the whole tower above the re-inforcement snapped off and was carried away.

Aan explosive fog signal was installed, which electrically detonated a small charge of guncotton every five minutes.

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1904

A NEW LIGHT FOR FASTNET ROCK

THE NEW LIGHT WAS ESTABLI ON 27TH JUNE. THE 1854 LIGH WAS DISCONTINUED AND THE CAST-IRON TOWER DISMANTL DOWN TO ITS LOWER ROOM WHICH BECAME AN OIL STOR

1891

1897

DECISION TO REPLACE LIGHTS

NEW LIGHT ON THE HORIZON

The Commissioners of Irish Lights had resolved that the light was not sufficiently powerful, particularly for the first landfall for many ships crossing the Atlantic.

Construction started with the levelling of the site. The first of 2,047 Cornish granite dovetailed blocks was laid in June. Further 120 cubic metres of granite was used to fill the inside of the tower up to the level of the entrance floor 18 m above high-water mark.

First there was light.

ISHED HT E LED

RE.

1934

1974

1978

CHANGE OF FOG SIGNALS RHYTHM

FOG HORN

BRIGHTING UP THE DARKNES

The fog signal was changed to one report every three minutes. The fog signal was accompanied by a brilliant flash when operated during darkness. The fog signal was accompanied by a brilliant flash when operated during darkness.

The explosive fog signal was replaced with an electric foghorn producing four blasts every minute at 300 hertz with a nominal range of 7.2 kilometres

Since April in addition to being operated during darkness, the light is also used during poor visibility.

Loss of Light

1989

GOODBYE KEEPERS

Fastnet became fully automatic and the last keepers left the rock. With their departure An Charraig Aonair was truly the lonely rock once more.

First there was light.

Loss of Light

IT WAS TO BE THE TALLEST AND THE WIDEST LIGHTHOUSE TO BE FOUND ANYWHERE IN IRELAND OR BRITAIN.

The new lighthouse was designed by William Douglass and built under the supervision of James Kavanagh. Construction started in 1897 with the levelling of the site, and the first of 2,047 Cornish granite dovetailed blocks was laid in June 1899. As well as these blocks, weighing 4,300 tons in total and with a volume of 1,645 cubic metres, a further 120 cubic metres of granite was used to fill the inside of the tower up to the level of the entrance floor 18 m above high-water mark. A small steamship, the Ierne, was specially constructed for carrying the blocks out to the island, and Kavanagh personally set every stone, which weighed between 1¾ and 3 tons. The new lighthouse entered service on 27 June 1904 having cost nearly £90,000. The masonry tower is 45 m high, but the focal point of the light is 48 m above high-water mark. The base of the lighthouse is 16 m in diameter with the first course of stone 150 mm below the high-water mark, and the first ten of the 89 courses built into the rock. The first floor of the original tower remains, on the highest part of the rock, having been left when it was demolished and converted into an oil store. The fog signal was changed to one report every three

First there was light.

Landing on Fastnet Rock was impossible; the swell is so high at the rock that only about 12 times a year is a boat able to dock.

Loss of Light

First there was light.

minutes in 1934 and from 1965 accompanied by a brilliant flash when operated during darkness. The original vaporised paraffin light was replaced with an electric one on 10 May 1969. At the end of March 1989, the lighthouse was converted to automatic operation. It is monitored and controlled using a UHF telemetry link to Mizen Head Lighthouse in County Cork, and onwards by landline to the control centre at Dún Laoghaire. It produces a 0.14-second white flash every five seconds, with a nominal range of 50 kilometres and a power of 2,500 kilocandelas. Since April 1978 in addition to being operated during darkness, the light is also used during poor visibility. In 1974 the explosive fog signal was replaced with an electric foghorn producing four blasts every minute at 300 hertz with a nominal range of 7.2 kilometres. Following a review of navigational aids, the fog signal was permanently shut down on 11 January 2011. The Racon – radar transponder beacon – has been a morse G on the radar display since its installation in 1994.

1896-1904 Construction of the new Fastnet Lighthouse. Credit: Sir Robert Ball National Library of Ireland

Loss of Light

To minimise the work that would have to be done on the rock, the blocks were cut and shaped at a Cornish quarry, then shipped by steamer to the project’s depot at Crookhaven.The beautiful Cornish granite tower, designed to withstand the force of the Atlantic by William Douglass, Engineer to the Commissioners of Irish Lights, took five years to build. Fastnet is the tallest

First there was light.

1896-1904 Construction of the new Fastnet Lighthouse. Credit: Sir Robert Ball / Commissioners of Irish Lights archive

Loss of Light

“At 54 metres high, with a lamp the strength of 1.3m candles, the lighthouse was, as Sir Robert put it after visiting it from the navigator’s point of view, the most important outpost of Europe.”

and widest rock lighthouse tower in Ireland and Great Britain and was a monumental achievement when completed in 1904. Each of the granite stones of the tower is dovetailed into those around it, bonding the structure into a virtual monolith. The lighthouse was constructed by the Commissioners’ own workforce. Every one of the 2,074 stones, weighing from 1¾ to 3 tons, was set

First there was light.

1896-1904 Construction of the new Fastnet Lighthouse. Credit: Sir Robert Ball / Commissioners of Irish Lights archive

Loss of Light

by the Commissioners’ foreman, James Kavanagh. The lantern and lighting apparatus was manufactured by Chance of Birmingham. While it was being installed the apparatus was damaged by heavy seas which washed right over the rock in a sudden storm, part of the equipment being washed away.he beautiful Cornish granite tower, designed to withstand the force of the Atlantic by

First there was light.

“As it was close to impossible to land on Fastnet rock, the Ierne which was a built steamer was moored at sea, and steam derricks from the rock and the ship hoisted the stone out into the sea before lifting it up to the tower.”

To photograph the new lighthouse construction on Fastnet Rock wasn’t an easy task as photographer and equipment must have been on a boat and the Atlantic ocean didn’t looks fearce as ever.

Loss of Light

William Douglass, Engineer to the Commissioners of Irish Lights, took five years to build. Fastnet is the tallest and widest rock lighthouse tower in Ireland and Great Britain and was a monumental achievement when completed in 1904. Each of the granite stones of the tower is dovetailed into those around it, bonding the structure into a virtual monolith. The lighthouse was constructed by the Commissioners’ own workforce. Every one of the 2,074 stones, weighing from 1¾ to 3 tons, was set by the Commissioners’ foreman, James Kavanagh. The lantern and lighting apparatus was manufactured by Chance of Birmingham. While it was being installed the apparatus was damaged by heavy seas which washed right over the rock in a sudden storm, part of the equipment being washed away.

First there was light.

It remains a remarkable feat of masonry. The stones are still smooth to the touch. The gunmetal windows fit perfectly. There are elegant mosaics in the floors. Inside, there is no hint that a century of storms have penetrated the flawless exterior.

Loss of Light

LIFE IN

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ISOLATION -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Loss of Light

Men of the Light.

The Journal Gerald Butler May 23rd 2015

Butler joined the Irish Lights in October 1969, aged 19. It took a year of preparation before he sat the entrance exam, which was followed by a year on probation.

Life in First there Isolation. was light.

Born in Castletownbere his mother was the daughter of a lighthouse keeper, and his Wexford-born father was the son of the captain of a light ship. Irish Lights, which ran the lighthouses, “loved getting lightkeepers’ sons into the job”, said Butler. Butler joined the Irish Lights in October 1969, aged 19. It took a year of preparation before he sat the entrance exam, which was followed by a year on probation. He had to learn signalling, Morse code, semaphore, and seamanship skills like how to rig boats and tie rope. There were also radio skills.

Loss of Light

IT WASN’T REALLY A JOB, IT WAS A WAY OF LIFE. IT DIDN’T INVOLVE EVER GOING HOME FROM WORK. IT INVOLVED IN THOSE DAYS SPENDING YOUR ENTIRE LIFE AS A LIGHTKEEPER. BECAUSE YOU LIVED IN A LOT OF THE STATIONS YOU WENT HOME OR YOUR WORK WAS AROUND YOU ALL THE TIME.

Trainee lighthouse keepers were called supernumerary keepers. Each lighthouse had three men working in it, who each took a different shift. The early morning watch started at 6am. The keepers did a lot of domestic chores, but also routine work, like painting the station at springtime, or doing maintenance work. Eddie Fitzgerald age 70, is a cousin of Butler’s, and works as a guide at Ballycotton lighthouse, after spending time in the 1960s as a lighthouse keeper. He left the job to join a successful band – even though my mother went berserk. Being away from the mainland, or in a difficult-to-access location, meant there was a ‘waste not, want not’ attitude to life on a lighthouse. Water was at a premium, and rainwater was collected off the roof. Fitzgerald recalled how a bath meant

was light. Life in First there Isolation.

standing into one of the old-fashioned galvanised bathtubs and… you’d give yourself a good scrub. You wouldn’t waste that water – you’d wash your underwear and socks in that water. Getting your groceries meant ordering them from the nearest town or village every fortnight or so. The food was kept in deep freezes powered by paraffin oil.Ballycotton Lighthouse was just under a mile from the mainland, which made things a bit easier, the local boatman would sometimes just pop by with supplies. During his time, Butler worked in almost every lighthouse around the Irish coast. One of those was the infamous Fastnet Rock. “The moment you landed on the rock you felt this sense of isolation. As soon as you landed on the rock the world was just cut off from you,” he said.

Loss of Light

First there was light.

But on the Fastnet you’d never see anybody.

Loss of Light

Here you were out on the rock in the Atlantic Ocean and you were going to spend the next 28 days there. For different people, loneliness was a difficult experience. When I went onto the rock I was easily able to detach myself and be where I was. One of the most dangerous parts of life on the rock was arriving, where you had to be lifted up by a crane and swung over the sea. The use of helicopters in later years also brought danger, and new safety precautions. One of Fitzgerald’s scariest moments was when he fell into the sea while fishing near Ballycotton lighthouse.He was wearing a pair of wellingtons and an Aran sweater, but was able to kick the boots off and swim to safety. He

light. Life in First there was Isolation.

kept himself busy with his hobbies,like making model sailing ships and brass replicas of weaponry and doing a huge amount of reading. Consequently for me the month was never long enough. Which is a strange thing to have to say. The one month on, one month off schedule could be difficult. “it was so painful leaving”, said Butler, but being reunited at the end of the month was worth it.

Big seas would come sailing up over the entire building like the field of horses in the Grand National.

Loss of Light

Bibliography

SEASHAKEN HOUSES: A LIGHTHOUSE HISTORY FROM EDDYSTONE TO FASTNET IRISH SHIPWRECKS irishshipwrecks.com

IRISH LIGHTS: FASTNET LIGHTHOUSE irishlights.ie

BALTIMORE & ISLE: FASTNET ROCK baltimore.ie

NATIONAL LIBRARY OF IRELAND nlr.ie

MIZENHEAD: THE FASTNET LIGHTHOUSE mizenhead.ie

GREATLIGHTHOUSES: FASTNET ROCK greatlighthouses.com

First there was light.

HENRIETTAMCKERVEY: LIVING ON THE EDGE henriettamckervey.com

BUILDING THE FASTNET LIGHTHOUSE roaringwaterjournal.com

IRISH INDEPENDENT: BEACON OF HOPE irishindependent.ie

THE ECONOMIST: LIGHT ON A LONELY ROCK economist.com

THEJOURNAL: IRISH LIGHTHOUSE KEEPERS thejournal.ie

IRISH TIMES: A SIGHT FOR SEAFARERS’ EYES irishtimes.ie

FASTNET LIGHTHOUSE

27 June 1904 1989 49 m First order Fresnel lens 2,500,000 candela 27 nmi , 50km Fl W 5s CIL-0010

FIRST LIT AUTOMATED FOCAL HEIGHT LENS INTENSITY RANGE CHARACTERISTICS IRL NO.

1897 William Douglass Granite 54 m Tapered cylindrical tower with lantern and double gallery White Commissioners of Irish Lights G

CONSTRUCTED DESIGNED BY CONSTRUCTION HEIGHT SHAPE MARKINGS OPERATOR RACON

Fastnet Rock, County Cork, Republic of Ireland 15 51°23’16”N 9°36’11 ”W

LOCATION COORDINATES

TOWER

LIGHT

Loss of Light