COMMEMORATE SINKING OF S.S DUNDALK
Unique plans to commemorate the sinking of the S.S Dundalk have emerged, with a local committee working to establish a permanent memorial to the lost vessel.
The committee set up to organise the centenary commemorations for the 100th Anniversary of the sinking of the SS Dundalk held their first meeting in the County Museum a number of weeks ago.
The group includes relatives of those who lost their lives and those who survived, along with some who have taken an avid interest in the story of the stricken vessel down through the years.
The committee aim to organise a series of events that will retell the story, honour all those who travelled on the SS Dundalk on that day.
The planned events include: an ecumenical service in St Patrick’s, the erection of a permanent memorial in the town, an exhibition at the County Museum, a series of lectures, and a book / DVD.
‘ The committee will be actively looking for sponsorships and donations to fund the programme of events, and a bank account is being set up if people wish to donate or sponsor.
‘ The committee are also asking for help, to gather as much information and memorabilia as possible, pictures, records and mementoes, all will be cared for and appreciated.’
Author Alan Bogan who co-authored ‘ The Louth Volunteers 1916’ is seeking help from relatives of all those on board the SS Dundalk, and he emphasised how important it is to record the stories. ‘We are looking for stories that relate to those who lost their lives, those who survived, and the stories that recount the reasons why some were supposed to travel but didn’t or were unable to.’
Alan also pointed out that ‘so many others were involved after the tragedy, be it to organise the fund to look after the families affected, or those that organised the memorial plate and window in St Patrick’s.’
He appealed to anyone related to any of those who perished or the survivors (both listed below), or indeed to anyone who was involved in some way at the time to get in touch with him on email: albogan@gmail.com or 0877694872 or Anne Howard : ssdundalk@hotmail.com on 0861081257.
Anyone who wishes to donate to help fund the programme of events should contact Marie Agnew at marieagnew@gmail.com or on 086 3395343.
The Lost Souls ;Hugh O’Neill, Master,Patrick Melia, AB, Daniel Stowell, QM (First Ship) William McKeown, AB, Francis Kieran, AB, Vincent Morgan, Greaser, Joseph Fox, Cattleman,Peter Sloane OS (First Ship), Edward Johnston, Chief Engineer, John Muckian,Fireman, Edward Bennett, Fireman , James Hernon Fireman, Thomas Tuite, Donkeyman Patrick Hughes, Fireman, John Stack, Fireman (First Ship), Joseph Halpenny, Fireman, Peter Matthews, Stewart, Margaret Creegan, Stewartess, Harold Grey, RNVR 2nd Gunner (First Ship), Samual John Cocks, Manager.
The Survivors : John Higgins, 2nd Mate, Patrick McCourt, AB, Patrick Byrne, AB, Pat Moonan, AB , John Mulqueen, 2nd Engineer, Thomas Fitzgerald, Winceman, Hugh O’Neill Fireman, Patrink Kearney, Cattleman, Francis Deery, Cattleman, James Tuite, Cattleman, T. Connor, RNR Gunner and Angus Ferguson, RNR Gunner.