From the Archives

Edited By Ted Creedon

Blasket Tragedy

From – Hereford Journal, 9 March 1796

In late October an American ship was driven by strong weather into the Blasket Sound. She was the John of Philadelphia which was en route from Germany to St. Ubes in Portugal before heading to her home port. She came to anchor off the Great Blasket and waited for the storm to abate.

People on the island signalled the ship to send a boat to the island for a pilot but this was ignored. The captain of the ship, James Basset, must have decided that their anchorage was secure. However, during the night the storm increased to such a level that the ship’s masts were cut away. Fearing their position was growing more dangerous, the crew and passengers took to the ship’s boats and made for the island. They were within yards of the shore when they were capsized and all were drowned in the raging breakers. It is not known how many souls were on board but thirteen bodies were washed up on the shore and all were decently buried. The ship rode out the storm and remained at anchor long enough for the islanders to board and plunder her. If she had not been abandoned those who lost their lives would have survived.

Young Man Found Dead

From – Kerry Evening Post, 3 June 1893

Last Sunday evening the body of a young man named Collins, who had been missing from home since mid-May was found on the cliffs at Beenbane by two men from Dingle who were out for a stroll. It appears that the deceased and a relative named Connor had been taking a walk on the cliffs. They separated at the watch house, on the cliff-top, to take different routes. Connor was going home and Collins was going to the Grove to play football. There has been much concern in the area for the past two weeks regarding the whereabouts of the missing man. [There are no reports as to cause of death. Interesting to note the mention of the ‘watch house’. This is probably a reference to the stone tower that once stood on Beenbawn Head – similar to Eask Tower – but was it still standing or in ruins in 1893? Was it being used by the Coast Guard as a watch point? According to a 1915 American marine survey of the coast and Dingle harbour ‘the Beacon on Beenbane Point is in ruins, only a height of about 14 feet remaining’.

Reign of Terror in Dingle

From – Kerryman, 29 July 1911

The current spate of burglaries in Dingle has the townspeople in a state of panic and desperation. Night after night for the past three weeks houses are being broken into, robbed and plundered. While their identity remains a mystery, it seems the burglars are not the least concerned about being apprehended. A veritable reign of terror exists and shows no sign of ending. These blackguards are the acknowledged rulers of the town.

Wrecked at Inch

From – Hibernian Journal, 1 February 1773

On Sunday night, the 17th of January, the brig Industry from Philadelphia was driven into Dingle Bay by a violent storm and wrecked on the banks and shoals near Inch Bar. The ship was en route to Drogheda with a cargo of flax seed, timber and apples. The captain and cook were drowned while the rest of the crew escaped. A small part of the cargo was saved by the neighbouring Gentlemen and Revenue Officers from the fury of the sea and the rapacity of the country people. How clearly does this instance prove the necessity of erecting a Lighthouse on some part of this coast to prevent vessels from passing the commodious harbours of Dingle. Ventry and Valencia at night. How useful must such a light-house on this coast be because of the importance of this great land-fall for ships bound to these Kingdoms and the northern parts of Europe from the West Indies, North America and other parts of the Commercial World. [It took another 114 years before the lighthouse was built at the mouth of Dingle harbour in 1887].

Outrage at Burnham House

From – Bell’s New Weekly Messenger, 9 February 1845

Two armed men were discovered hiding in a linney [shed] at Burnham House on Wednesday night by Lieutenant Hawkie, the son-in-law of Lord Ventry. One of them on being challenged by Lieutenant Hawkie attempted to shoot the coastguard officer but his pistol misfired. The lieutenant fired at the retreating figures but missed. It is supposed that the pair were intent on breaking into the house when the residents were in bed.

This incident closely follows on the heels of a threatening notice served on Lord Ventry against the Rev, Charles Gayer who also received a notice advising him to prepare to meet instant death. The Rev, Gayer has issued circulars declaring his intention to carry on with his work of conversion. [Lt. Hawkie should be Hawkey. Charles Gayer was chaplain to Lord Ventry and Rector of Ventry and Dunurlin. He died of typhus fever in January 1848].

New Road to Kinard West

From – Tralee Chronicle, 29 October 1867

Applications for special works to be considered at the Presentment Sessions to be held at Dingle on the 8th November 1867. John Casey and Harold Swift for making a new road from Dingle to the strand at West Kinard, between the village of Tubber, by Trabeg, and the strand aforesaid, being 360 perches in length, at £1 per perch. [360 perches = 1810 meters].

Pat Hanafin

Septic Tank Emptying & Drain Cleaning

With over 30 years in business providing a Septic Tank Cleaning Service in the Dingle Peninsula, we now provide DRAIN CLEANING. From 2” sink lines to 4” - 12” sewer pipes. Biocycle tanks filter system,washed after emptying. Providing power washing service and washing facility. 24 hour cover.

Septic & Biocycle Tank Fitting

We supply and fit septic tanks and biocycle tanks. All percolation work carried out all over the peninsula. 086-2241064 066-9151682