Kilrush, County Clare: Notes from c 1760 to 1960 by Senan Scanlan

Scattery, Cappa Harbour and the Shannon Estuary 1900 - 1967

1900 11th May (KH).
Poole's Cappa:
Mrs. Poole the well-known caterer of the public and tourist needs has re-opened the refreshment bar and restaurant in our charming suburb of Cappa after an extensive and complete renovation. ---.

1901 25th March (CJ).
Big vessel in the Shannon:
The four-masted French ship “Ville de Mulhouse” with a cargo of 4,500 tons of wheat from San Francisco. She is one of the largest vessels which ever came to Limerick. The SS “Nettleton” from Baltimore is discharging a cargo of 3,500 tons of maize. Both are for Messrs. Bannatyne and Sons.

1901 1st July (CJ).
Death of a veteran Shannon Pilot:
We regret to announce the death of Mr. Felix Brennan of Scattery Island, which occurred on the 22nd inst. --- and as a yachtsman he was in command of the late Sir James Spaight’s yacht the Queen --- he also superintendent the building of two pilot boats the St. Sinon and the St. Patrick under the supervision of the well-known, Kinsale builders Messrs Dawson and Son. --- The chief mourners were: Messrs Pat Brennan. Michael Brennan, D.C., Phelim Brennan: sons, John Brennan, N.T., Scattery, Pat Brennan, M. Griffin, cousins -----

1903 19th January (CJ).
The wreck in the Shannon:
Mr. Ensor of Queenstown arrived at Beale near the mouth of the Shannon on Tuesday on board the Mayflower, for the purpose of attempting to raise the steamer Ilantwny ? which went ashore on the Bar on the 27th December.----.

1903 15th June (CJ).
Destroyers in the Shannon:
Four large torpedo boats destroyers were in the Shannon in Foynes Roads last week. The vessels are of the most modern type and each is armed with six guns, their displacement being six thousand tons. --- They are remarkable for the sinister appearance they present being coal black unrelieved by any touch of colour whatever.

1903 23rd July (CJ).
The Scattery Island Works:
At the Kilrush District Council quarterly meeting with reference to the grant of £60 which was made at the last quarterly meeting for the construction of an embankment on Scattery Island to prevent sea encroachment. Conditional on the landlord giving a grant of £30. A letter was read from Mr. Marcus Keane agreeing to give the sum stipulated.

1904 3rd May (IT).
Fatal accident at Kilrush.
A sad accident causing the death of a seaman named Thomas Myles, occurred at Cappa Pier, shortly after 10 o’clock yesterday morning. The deceased who was a mate of the brigantine, David Roes, was engaged in some operation aloft in the vessel and lost his foothold and was precipitated to the deck. His death was instantaneous. The deceased on whom an inquest will be held, belonged to Arklow. -----.

1904 11th June (CC).
Well deserved:
Mr. Thomas Fortune, who held principal position as light-keeper of Scattery Island and Tarbert Rocks for a period of ten years has been transferred to the important station at Youghal. Mr Fortune before his departure was presented with an address.

1905 6th March (CJ).
Sad Drowning Accident at Carrigaholt:
-- sad drowning accident near Kilcredaun, Carrigaholt. Two young men named Lynch and Cahill were engaged in putting a pilot on board a steamer and on leaving the latter Cahill fell between the boat and steamer and was drowned.---.

1905 27th May (CC).
Kilrush Harbour Board: Hearing claim for damages:
--- a process was laid on the table at the suit of Captain Edward Murray, of Frances Street, Kilrush claiming substantial damages for the injury to his vessel at Cappa Pier on the 6th May last, which he asserted was caused through negligence of the Harbour Master to the Board --- his vessel “Ellen” was unlawfully and improperly deprived of the second berth at the pier by the Harbour Master, which she was entitled to occupy, and the steamer” Olive” put in her place. The berth into which she was negligently and improperly put was uneven and of insufficient size, in consequence of which the “Ellen” was crushed by the steamer and badly strained ---.

1905 24th November (IT).
Sailor Drowned at Tarbert.
On Wednesday night a seaman on the steamer Leven named Thomas Bomino, who was a native of Kilrush, was drowned by falling off Tarbert Pier, the night being very dark. Michael Walshe, a comrade, gallantly jumped in to rescue him, the water at the time being fourteen feet deep. On rising to the surface, he sustained severe injuries, his head striking against the masonry of the pier. Bomino's body has not yet been recovered.

1906 25th January (CJ).
Narrow escape from drowning:
On Saturday night a young man named Kelly, who was loading a steamship with a cargo of hay, quite close to Cappa, Kilrush, had a marvellous escape from drowning. The night was black and Kelly having missed his footing, toppled over the quay. Mr. Andrew Bourke, hearing the cry for help, immediately jumped in. --- and brought the man safe ashore. This is the second time that Mr. Bourke has succeeded in saving life. ----

1906 20th August (CJ).
The Atlantic Fleet will be in the Shannon:
The great Atlantic Fleet of war vessels will be in the Shannon this week close to Foynes. They will arrive on Wednesday and remain until Saturday. The vessels are the King Edward V11, New Zealand, Commonwealth, Magnificent, Majestic, Drake, flagship, of the Rear Admiral Prince Louis of Battenberg: Cornwall, Duke of Edinburgh, Berwick, Arrogant and Amethyst. There are also a number of torpedo boats. The vessels may be visited from 1.30 to 6 pm each day.

1907 5th August (CJ).
Salmon fishing on the Shannon:
The season for salmon fishing now finished in the Lower Shannon has been the worst in thirty years, neither stake weirs or drift net fishing showing a fourth of last year’s work.

1907 12th August (CJ).
Shannon Herring Fishing:
The herring fishing in the Lower Shannon has been an absolute failure and the poor fishermen of Kilrush return each morning from their night of toil without having made even the smallest of catches.

1907 3rd October (KH).
A Kilbaha pilot named Thomas McMahon was accidentally drowned off the pilot boat on Wednesday night whilst the crew were putting a pilot on an incoming French vessel between Kilcredaun and Beale Bar. He was 64 years the body has not yet been found.

1908 29th May (KH).
Drowning accident off Kilcredaun Head.
We regret to report the loss by drowning of a member of the Western Body of Shannon Pilots named Michael Crotty which occurred in some inexplicable way off Kilcredaun on Thursday afternoon last. It appears that the ill-fated man was after putting pilot Michael McMahon on board an incoming cargo steamer named “Erlbert” (?) belonging to the Limerick Steamship Company and when returning to the shore it is supposed his canoe capsized and he sank to the bottom immediately. The empty boat was noticed by a man in the steamer which cruised around for about an hour in the vicinity of the accident for the purpose of rendering assistance but no trace of poor Crotty could be observed. A tempestuous sea was running at the time. The lost pilot was aged about 40 and unmarried.

1908 29th June (CJ).
The Irish Lights steamer “Alexandra” has been on a light inspection down the Shannon. Among the visitors was Sir Robert Ball, the eminent scientist.

For the past fortnight or so some of his Majesty’s warships could be observed from Cappa manoeuvring near Carrigaholt. The gunboat “Skipjack” paid a few visits to the Shannon lately.

1908 16th November (IT).
Three Boatmen Missing.
Excitement at Kilrush (from our correspondent). Kilrush, Saturday.
Great fears are entertained here of the loss of three Kilrush fishermen named Michael Russell, John Hynes, and Thomas Kelly, who went out in pursuance of their avocation, on Friday evening, about four o’clock, in a frail canoe or canvas-covered boat, to the fishing grounds in the Shannon to the westward of Scattery Island, and who have not up to the moment of writing, been traced of accounted for. They should, in the ordinary course, have reached home in the early hours of this morning. Telegraphic and other inquiries at Foynes,Glin,Tarbert and Ballylongford, on the south shore ,and Carrigaholt on the north shore, have failed to locate the missing men, and it is reported that the lighthouse keeper on Scattery Island observed a canoe, bottom upwards, drifting with the tide to the westward of his station at 5 o'clock am.-----. ( CJ of the 7th December states that the last of the three was buried)

1909 10th May (CJ).
A Kilrush correspondent says Cappa pump is at last down.----.

1909 6th August (KH).
Pilots at War: Kilrush v Scattery.
The fearless and hardy pilots of the Creek score. Important Pilotage Case.
Michael Scanlan of Scattery Island a certified pilot of the Lower Shannon prosecuted Stephen Massey, Captain of the cross-channel steamer Topaz, now lying at Cappagh Pier, for an infringement of Section 52 of the Merchant Shipping Act of 1894 for employing an unqualified pilot to take his craft into port.--------------- After consideration the case was dismissed.

1909 29th October and Friday 5th November KH).
War Department Property.
Lower Shannon Forts, Counties of Clare and Kerry.
For sale by Private Treaty:
Sealed tenders for the purchase of the various properties as given in detail below, and which are held in fee and including the buildings as now erected thereon, and all War Department rights and rents in connection therewith, will be received by the undersigned up to 12 o'clock noon on the 15th November 1909.
Tenants exist in all cases, which are terminable at three months’ notice given on a quarter day and the sale will if desired be subject to same. If not sold by private treaty the properties may be at a later date be put up to public competition on which due notice will be given through the medium of the Public Press.

Commanding Royal Engineers. Fermoy Sub-District. No. IC Military Road. Cork.

1909 13th November (IT).
In the High Court of Justice in Ireland.
Chancery Division-Land Judges County of Clare.
In the matter of the Estate of William Vandeleur Reeves and Grace Dorothea Reeves,-owners.
Ex-Parte: Emily Reeves, Widow and Philip Chenevix Trench. Executrix and Executor of Robert Reeves.-Petitioners.
To be sold by Public Auction. ------------------.
The Burrane Salmon Fishery.
Situate on the Estuary of River Shannon known as Clonderlaw Bay, in the Barony of Clonderlaw and County of Clare, about five miles from the Town of Kilrush, comprising the Weirs known as (1) Poulnadaree Weir: (2) Woodpoint Weir:(3) Lynch's Point Weir: (4) Poulnagulky Weir: (5) Parkruagh Weir: and (6) Rusheen Point Weir and certain Lands used in connection with the said Fishery,situate in the said Barony and County, held in fee-simple. The average gross receipts from the above Fisheries for the last eight years was £1,091-17s-7d.

1909 6th December (IT).
Supposed Disaster on the Shannon: Limerick, Saturday.
Intelligence reached Limerick this morning of a sad occurrence on the Lower Shannon, by which it is believed that three lives were lost. The men lost- for there is very little hope entertained of their safety-were members of the crew of the Limerick Steamship Company's vessel Wylan, one of their fleet of steamers trading between this port and Great Britain. The Wylan was bound from Liverpool to Limerick with a general cargo, and she was due to arrive here yesterday morning. She had to call on the home voyage at Fenit to discharge some cargo, but owing to the severe gale prevailing on Thursday she was unable to do so, and so continued the voyage getting safely into the Shannon and casting anchor off Carrigaholt. Three of the crew put off in an open boat, for the purpose, it seems of sending a telegram for instructions to the owners at Limerick from Carrigaholt Post Office. This was done, and the three seamen whose names are Joseph Owen and John James, natives of County Dublin and John Purtill, a native of Limerick City, left Carrigaholt by boat for the Wylan about half-past five o'clock on Thursday evening. They did not reach the steamer, and up to a late hour tonight no intelligence of the missing men has been received by the owners. -----.

1909 9th December (IT).
Burrane Salmon Fishery.
----The highest bid was £3, 520, given by Mr. A Lane Joynt, solicitor.
It was stated on behalf of the owner-at present absent in India-and others interested that the price offered was altogether inadequate. -----------.

1910 25th January (IT).
Shipping Accidents.
--The Kilrush vessel Catherine struck the rocks and foundered near Kildysart on Sunday. The crew were saved.

1910 27th January (CJ).
His many Kilrush and Limerick friends will be glad to learn of the promotion of Mr. George Harris to the important position of Captain of H.M. Torpedo Boat, the Flying Fish. Captain Harris – is the eldest son of Mr. John Harris, Cappa, Kilrush.

1910 14th July (CJ).
A further improvement has been affected at Cappa Pier, Kilrush by the filling in with concrete of the useless and dangerous flight of steps opposite the offices of the Waterford Steamship Company and the replacing of same by an iron ladder of great strength in a convenient position of the wharf.—

1910 26th August (KH).
The sale of the Kilcredaun Fort and the land attached realised a sum of £115 at auction at Carrigaholt on Saturday week. The Lower Shannon Pilots are the purchasers.
(Limerick Harbour Board paid £121-8-9. and each of the Western Pilots paid £5 each to cover this amount, which was refunded to them when they retired)

1910 7th November (CJ).
Mr. Thomas Roughan, Cappa has been promoted to the management of the Waterford Steamship Company, at Kilrush in room of the late Mr. H. G. Supple.

1912 19th February (CJ).
The sea gives up its dead.
On Friday evening the remains of the young man Michael Talty drowned at Cappagh Pier, Kilrush shortly before Christmas was found on the beach at Querrin. --- The identification was established by the fact of the words “Waterford Steamship Co.” on the gansey he wore in red letters. He was in their employment and working in their service on the night of the occurrence,----
( CJ 22nd February : Inquest: ------ Stated he was employed by the Limerick Steamship Company discharging the boat “Huntsman” and that the jersey had the lettering “Lower Shannon Service” )

1912 3rd October (CJ).
A Busy Harbour:
Last week was a rather busy one in the port of Kilrush as the large cross-channel steamer “Fleswick” and some sailing crafts, such rare visitants in these days of steam, were discharging at Cappagh Pier big coal and other cargos. ----
--At Merchant’s Quay things are humming every day in consequence of constant sailings of the boats of the Shannon Steamship Co.---

1913 24th November (IT).
Drowning Accident near Kilrush.
(From our correspondent) Kilrush, Saturday.
A young man named John Melican, (Michael Jack), married, aged about 30 years, was drowned while going from Kilrush to Scattery Island yesterday. He was accompanied by a girl named Moran, his sister-in-law. (not his sister-in law) they had a load of turf and coal in a canoe, which was upset in a squall. The man was drowned, and the girl, who is aged about 15, took to an oar and drifted towards Querrin, to the north-west of Scattery Island, about three or four miles away. ( She only drifted a short distance from where the canoe sank) She was rescued in an exhausted state.
The particulars yet available are of a meagre character. Melican's father and mother were drowned in almost similar circumstances and in the same place when going home to Scattery from Kilrush some years ago.

1913 22nd December (CJ).
The Shannon Tragedy: Body of victim cast up,
The remains of the young man John Melican who was drowned near Scattery about four weeks ago were found on Wednesday on the Querrin shore four or five miles from the scene of the mishap. It will be remembered that the deceased and a little girl named Moran was going over to the Island in a canoe with coal and turf when the boat opened under them. The man was drowned and the girl who clung to an oar was rescued a mile away.

1914 13th June (IT)
Cruiser in Kilrush Harbour.
This evening H M S Falmouth arrived at Scattery Roadstead, in Kilrush Harbour. What her mission is nobody here can guess, unless it is that more gun-running is feared. A number of the bluejackets have come into the town. It is some years since a warship lay in Kilrush Harbour.

1915 28th January (CJ).
Kilrush Petty Sessions:
At the Kilrush Sessions --- before his Honor Judge Bodkin, K.C., Messrs M. Glynn and Sons, Kilrush sued the Kilrush Urban Council, being the harbour authority for £29 for damages to their steamer “Fleswick” delayed at Cappa Pier for a certain period at £5 a day --- case dismissed-.

1915 28th July (IT).
Trips on the Shannon.
A series of most enjoyable trips can be made on the Shannon, with Limerick as headquarters. The sail down the Shannon from Limerick to the Atlantic is one of the most delightful imaginable, and is in many respects superior to the much-famed Rhine. Though there are not the same number of castellated mansions to be seen on the Shannon as on the Rhine, there is a far greater volume of water and the scenery is a great deal more varied and pleasing. The Limerick Steamship Company run a holiday steamer from Limerick to Cappagh, at the mouth of Kilrush Bay. The vessel is Belfast built, and moves rapidly, with an easy motion. There is plenty of seating accommodation on the upper deck, from which unimpeded views can be had of the rarest bits of scenery in the Counties of Clare, Kerry, Limerick and Tipperary with the Kerry and Knockmealdown Mountains forming an agreeable and inspiring background. The Shannon at stages is several miles wide, and all along the shores are beautiful country residences and well-wooded demesnes.

1916 14th December (CJ).
While on the steamer Aylevaroo, from Liverpool to Limerick (writes a Glin correspondent) John Histon became entangled in the steering gear sustaining serious injuries and was landed at Tarbert Island, his native place.

1917 7th April (IT).
County of Clare Clarefield.
Salmon Weir of the Lower Shannon for sale.
Wm. B. Fitt has received instructions to sell by auction at the sales-rooms
46 O'Connell Street, Limerick, on Friday, April 20th at 2 o'clock.
The Certified Stake Net Salmon Weir, situate on the Shannon, off the Lands of Clarefield, otherwise Mount Pleasant, length 685 yards, containing five heads, also the Cottage or Fish House adjoining said Weir.
This Weir, which is commonly known as Clarefield Weir, has always been considered the best for Spring Fish on the Lower Shannon.
It is situate about 8 miles from Kilrush, 2 by water, rail accommodation at Blackweir, 2 miles.
Usual commission of 5 per cent.
Conditions at sale.
Particulars from Michael Killeen, Solicitor, Kilrush.
Wm. B. Fitt, Auctioneer, 46 O'Connell Street, Limerick.

1917 15th June (KH).
Pilgrimage to Iniscathy.
High Mass in West Clare ancient Cathedral after 1400 years.
---The pilgrimage was joined on arrival in the Island by Very Rev. Canon McInerney P P, V G Kilrush-------------.

1917 27th July (KH).
Death on Scattery Island.
A most painful sensation prevailed in Scattery Island on Tuesday when it was learned that Mr. Michael McMahon one of the most respected inhabitants -----. He was in a most nervous state from illness for some time and had been in St. Joseph's Hospital for a while. He was most distressed of late---- The deceased was held in great respect in Kilrush. He was also a pilot and was over 70 years of age. Father O'Brien and Dr. Counihan who were sent for in haste reached the island without undue delay but deceased remained unconscious to the end. An inquiry was held.

1921 21st October (KH).
Killing their own meat.
The inhabitants of Scattery Island are now killing their own cattle. Early this week a Kilrush butcher was brought into the island and killed four fine beasts. It is the intention of each family in the island to kill their own. Whether this is a protest, again the price of meat in Kilrush or the low price for cattle is not known.

1922 9th August (IT).
Crossing the Shannon:-Trip in an Armoured Dredger:-The landing in Tarbert.
(From our special correspondent) Listowel, Monday.

The Government realised at an early period the importance of the sea as a means of transporting troops and of keeping isolated stations supplied with food and munitions of war. The waters cannot have trenches cut across them or trees felled to obstruct them, nor, with the resources at the command of the irregulars, can they be mined.

So far, every naval enterprise has succeeded without a hitch. Troops have been brought from Dublin to Limerick and Foynes along the highway of the Shannon. Food is supplied every day. The great services of the sea are being used in one way or another by motor boat, tramp, tug, dredger (Erin Go Bragh), and coaster to forward the national cause.

Tired then, of ceaseless land skirmishes, made up of ambuscades and ambiguity, where neither side is quite sure of the position of the other, and both sides seem engaged in a war of villages to the avoidance of a final and hazardous trial of strength in a pitched battle. I was glad to pass a day seeing something of the sea transport, which is supplying those semi-isolated forces now at work in West Limerick and Kerry at the rear of the irregular concentration which had been designed to strike at the flank of the Kilmallock advance, but which was rudely buffeted at Adare.

The seven-knot Dredger:
The vessel on which I embarked with a ration party under General MacManus was no ocean greyhound. From the high super-structure on the top of which was perched the wheel-house, a strange sight met one's eyes looking forward. The squat ugly hull seemed cut in two by a long alleyway of green water ten feet wide and extending from the two-peaked prow to rather more than half-way down the vessel. In the oily wash of the water great square-linked cables showed, and slanting from poop to bridge was a ladder of buckets, for the vessel on which I was about to voyage was an ordinary bucket-dredger, with all that this term implies. The decks of a dredger are not holy-stoned every day, nor is its paint-work kept like a man-of-war: still, she was staunch and true, and when flying along at her fastest trial speed of seven knots an hour at least caused an unseemly commotion in the wake, where the sea birds performed their task of ocean scavengers.

We weighed anchor at a few minutes before six, and proceeded satisfactorily down the Shannon, along through the Pool, and over the foul ground into Tervoe Pool, leaving Lock Rock to port, and so into the Hole, sliding past the Whelps and the Scarlet Reach to Dead Woman's Hand Rock. How suggestive are these names of the old times!-of “Spanish sailors with beaded lips”, of John Silver, with his blue and laced hat and his wooden leg: of pistols and cutlasses and cannonades: of buried treasure and frigate and privateer: of rum and molasses and lace secretly smuggled in beneath the suspicious noses of Revenue officers: of the spice-laden East India man and the tea clippers speeding from the squall, with royal and topgallant's still set in an effort to break all records.

Heigho and we are on a dredger, useful enough in all conscience, the unassuming charwoman of the mercantile marine, but with such a charwoman's figure! In parenthesis I may say that all charwomen have one or two set figures, the angular rectilinear or the puffed pyramidal. Our lassie is the evil essence of both combined.

Here my reverie was interrupted. Up to the wheelhouse, with many caulking protestations are being hauled heavy plates of armour, which once adorned a Limerick police barracks. They are being placed round the steersman and fare: below more plates are lining the bulwarks to protect the riflemen we carry. We are no longer a dredger .but an ironclad-we are the National Navy. The charwoman's arms are no longer akimbo, but outstretched ready to scratch and woe betide the man who now dares to be flippant on the subject of her figure. To right and left stretch the banks of the Shannon clothed hare with broad banks of feathered reeds softening away into green deliciousness. The water is as smooth as a freshly-ironed tablecloth and grey with enticing greyness of a cat's fur. Ahead slanting pillars of light break through shifting masses of sullen cloud, and on the horizon the round, baked hills wallow like a herd of extinct saurians, swollen with midday fullness is the torrid waters of a classic lagoon. It is all very beautiful, and that rifle at my elbow is very dirty, and for the safety, catch is not on and I am descending to the deck. There is virtue in sardines and Worcester sauce and a bottle of “Black and White”, which can allure even a spirit soaked in the beauty of a Shannon evening.

The story of Tarbert:
When I come up from supper we are engaged in the national pastime of trailing our coat:-that is to say we are steaming close into the southern shore in a place where we know irregular’s posts are situated, in the hope that we may draw their fire and add to the gaiety of the trip. But no one deigns to notice us, and from the passing hills, two ruined castles stare upon us disdainfully, as if to remind us that generations before us have done as we are doing, and generations after us will do the same, it is an un-comforting reflection. Ruins are always sentimental or cynical and unprofitable. There is Bowline Rock with its iron perch to starboard and in front of us is Tarbert, about which a story must be told. When the powers that be decided to make a diversion to transport the troops by sea, as the irregulars held, at that time, Adare, Rathkeale and Newcastle West. The task was entrusted to General MacManus, who had taken part in the most famous landing in history, and he was given power to commandeer whatever boats he required. He chose three: - the Garryowen, a very recently built grain ship, with superstructure made for the elevating machinery, and the Turk and Corona, two lighter draught Limerick tugs. Tarbert was clearly the desirable place at which to land: Tarbert, whose strategic importance is evidenced by the remains of a Danish fort, a ruined redoubt, and a semi-modern battery. A difficulty arose however because the irregulars were watching with eagle eyes at Tarbert Harbour and Tarbert road.

Close scrutiny of the large scale Admiralty charts showed that on the other side of the promontory formed by Tarbert Island and the spit connecting it with the mainland a small shingly bay shelved quietly to the water, and it was here it was decided to land from boats. The vessels previously sandbagged and armoured and mounting a machine gun, proceeded down the channel as if butter would not melt in their holds, and lay up to Kilrush, where a number of stout and roomy row-boats had been prepared under cover of night. The troops were by those boats conveyed to the waiting vessels, anchors were weighed, and the two tugs proceeded direct to their destinations, while the Garryowen, being a faster vessel, steamed down the channel, and then in a wide circle to the rendezvous, where in the early dawn she met her companions. The Turk and the Corona stood by on her port side. The troops were disembarked into the tows, oars dipped, and bows scrunched on the shingle, and every soldier were put ashore without a single hitch occurring anywhere. The troops marched across the promontory and came upon the unsuspecting Irregulars in the rear. -----.

1924 13th September (CC).
Fined and bound to the Peace. Mr. Scanlan, of Scattery Island had a neighbouring woman named Mary Hanrahan summoned on three charges, for abusive and threatening language, trespass of her cattle and wilfully knocking down a wall his property.
Mr Leo Traynor Solr. (Messrs M O'Shea & Co,) appeared for the plaintiff. Defendant did not appear.
Scanlan stated that defendant was the chief disturber on the Island. She was a terror to the 29 families living in the place. She threatened to take his life with a spade.
Defendant was fined 10/- and costs 5/- compensation and for trespass £2 she was bound to the peace for 12 months.

1926 26th November (IT).
Cappagh Quay, Kilrush.
Evidence at the Ports Tribunal.
The Ports and Harbours Tribunal sat at the Courthouse, Kilrush, yesterday-Mr. P. O'Hanlon presiding-to enquire into the working of Cappagh Quay, Kilrush.
Mr. Cawley (instructed by Mr. J. McMahon, solicitor) appeared for Mr. Daniel Ryan, merchant, as the owner of Merchant Quay.

Mr. Murphy Secretary of the Harbour Board stated that the business had decreased considerably at Cappagh Quay for years past. The revenue had gone to pay the Harbour Master's salary. At one time, the Urban Council transferred the sum of £1,600 to a gas concern in Kilrush, which had been “scrapped” afterwards. On a second occasion £300 was taken from the Harbour Fund to purchase the Tolls and Customs, The imports to Kilrush were coal, cement, timber, slack, and railway rails. The exports were cattle, pigs, and agricultural produce. There was no money spent on the improvement of the harbour since the year 1910. A large stone fell into one berth in 1922 and had remained there since. There were no dutiable goods coming in.

Mr. Crawley-would it surprise you to know that in one year, 1922, the sum of £19,000 was paid as import duties at Merchant's Quay: in the year 1924 £20,000 and in the year 1925 £17,000.or in two and three-quarters years the sum of £56,000?
The witness, continuing, stated that to improve trade at Cappagh Quay many improvements were needed, as the present facilities were not sufficient. The Harbour Master's salary is £11-14s, per month. The Urban Council of twelve members constitutes the Harbour authority, and had not held a meeting in six months.
To the Chairman-the stone was still in the berth, as they could not procure a diver.

Mr. Charles E. Glynn, flour miller, steamship owner and coal importer giving evidence, said that Cappagh Quay was a national asset to all Clare, and his firm could not carry on business without Cappagh. There was one defect, and that was that it meant a delay of twenty minutes in every hour to shift wagons. This could be remedied by putting a second railway line down. The wages paid at Kilrush was 1s per hour: 4s-6d per ton discharge of boats. His firm had discharged 700 ton boats at Cappagh, and railway boats were changed to Waterford on account of the huge wages in Kilrush.
Mr. Darcy, Chairman of the Kilrush Urban Council, suggested that to improve the trade only tonnage discharged at the port should be charged for, and not on the tonnage of the ship, as heretofore.
The tribunal decided to sit until a late hour to hear the evidence of all the witnesses.

1926 4th December (CC).
Kilrush Harbour.
Inquiry by Ports and Harbour Tribunal at Kilrush on Thursday last, Mr H .B. O'Hanlon, Chairman, of the Port and Harbour Tribunal assisted by Mr. Deegan and Mr. Baxter Secretary held a sworn inquiry into the affairs of the Kilrush Harbour.
Mr James Cawley, B.L. Instructed by Messrs O'Shea and Co. Solicitors appeared for Messrs, A. Ryan and Sons owners of Merchants Quay Harbour, Mr. Shannon in the absence of Mr. Killeen, Solr. appeared for the Kilrush Urban Council which is the port authority administrating the affairs of Cappa Port. ----

1927 3rd November (II)
Irish Ships missing, feared loss of 24 lives?
Caught in Storm-Limerick Boat fails to arrive. Days overdue
The steamer Loop Head left Barry, South Wales, on Thursday last with a cargo of coal for Limerick. Under ordinary circumstances she should have arrived a few days ago. Loop Head had a crew of 12.

1927 4th November (IT).
Missing Limerick Steamer:-Owners without information, Limerick, Thursday.
The fate of the steamer Loop Head is still a matter of grave anxiety in Limerick. The owners, Messrs. Mullock and Sons, Limerick, have made every inquiry, but no information has been ascertained concerning the vessel even at Lloyds.
The crew were recruited from Limerick, Tarbert, and Kilrush, and were nearly all married men with families.
(Thomas O’Brien, lost at sea, 27th Oct 1927 aged 25 noted on grave in West Section Old Shanakyle Graveyard)

1928 30th August (IT).
Fatal Bathing Accident: - Student Drowned at Carrigaholt.
News of the drowning of a young student of Carrigaholt College, West Clare, reached Kilrush yesterday. Patrick Hassett, aged 19, a native of Barefield, near Ennis, was attending the college for a course of Irish. On Tuesday, he went bathing at Carrigaholt, and after he had been in the water for some time, he got into difficulties, and was seen to sink.
The Rev. Brother Cummins, of the Monastery, Kilrush, dived and succeeded in recovering the body.

1929 26th January (IT)
Limerick Fishery Election: -Clare Man's Application. (Before Mr. Justice Hanna).
Mr. Michael Comyn, K C, with whom was Mr. Liston (instructed by Mr. T. J. Liston), renewed his application on behalf of John Daly, of Burrane, Knock, Co. Clare, fisherman, for a conditional order in the nature of quo warranto against Major Cecil Rowland Leslie, of Tarbert House, Tarbert, Co. Kerry: William J. Counihan, of Querrin, Lisdeen, Co. Clare: Thomas Sliney, of Cappa, Kilrush: Louis McAuliffe, of Cappa: Thomas Mangan of Glin, Co. Limerick, and John Little, of Foynes, Co. Limerick, to show by what authority they purport to act as conservators for the No. 8 or Limerick Fishery District.------------------.

1930 23rd January (II).
The election of Conservators for the Limerick Fishery District was challenged in the High Court, Dublin, before Mr. Justice Hanna and Mr. Justice O'Byrne.
The question was raised by an application by John Daly, fisherman, Burrane, Knock, Co. Clare, for an order to make absolute an information in the nature of quo warranto against Major Cecil Rowland Leslie, Tarbert House, Tarbert: William J. Counihan, Querrin, Lisdeen, Co Clare: Thomas Sliney, Cappa, Kilrush: Louis McAuliffe, Cappa: Thomas Mangan, Glin and John Little, Foynes to show by what authority they purported to act as Conservators for the Limerick Fishery District. --------------.

1930 31st January (IT).
Coast Erosion in Clare.
The problem of coast erosion, which is about to be investigated by a Government Committee, is assuming very grave dimensions in Co. Clare. The repeated damage wrought at Lahinch has been widely discussed, but in less known directions the inroads of the sea are working heavy destruction, the repair of which has at intervals imposed considerable burdens on the County Council. In reply to a questionnaire from the Coast Erosion Committee, the County Surveyor (Mr. Frank Dowling, B E) says: “The condition of affairs in Clare is very serious. Places like Lahinch and Cappa, near Kilrush, are in imminent danger of being wiped out, and it is beyond the power of the County Council to take any steps that would give them any degree of permanent safety”.

1930 31st July (IT).
Kilrush Regatta.
Notwithstanding the rather broken weather a very enjoyable regatta was held at Cappa, Kilrush, under the auspices of the Kilrush Boat Club. There was a large attendance. All the events were keenly contested and included a sailing race for French fishing smacks and a motor boat race. The following were the results: -
Four-Oared Gig Race- Labasheeda, 1: Knock, 2.
Four-Oared Canoe Race-Querrin 1: Kilrush, 2.
Gondola Race-J. Hazel and J. Dowling, 1: Lynch and Wm Counihan, 2.
Three-man Canoe Race-Kilrush, 1: Doughmore, 2.
Motor Boat race-George Glynn, 1: Tarbert, 2.

1930 20th December (IT).
Kilrush as Port of Call:-The suitability of Scattery Roads.
Messrs. M. Glynn and Sons, Kilrush, have addressed the following letter to the Ministry of Industry, Dublin:-
“Sirs, In reference to the proposals that various ports in the West of Ireland should be considered for the most suitable one for a port of call, we respectfully suggest that the great advantages of Kilrush should be considered. The largest liners can lie afloat in the sheltered waters of Scattery Roads, or about one mile from the deep-water quay at Cappa, Kilrush, where tenders could land passengers and mails alongside the quay at any stage of the tide.
The Great Southern Railway lines are on the quay, and an efficient 'bus service could take the passengers and mails to Ennis in one hour or to Limerick in one and a half hours.
It is a shorter distance from New York to Liverpool or to the Continent via Kilrush than either via Galway or Blacksod. Further, there are no navigation difficulties and the cost of making this natural port suitable would be trifling.
We trust that this matter will have your favourable consideration”.

1931 1st January (IT).
Kilrush as Port of Call: -Scattery Roads as Seaplane Base, Where Battleships have anchored. (From a Special Correspondent, Kilrush, Wednesday).
Now that the claims of rival ports are being advanced, a few points in favour of Kilrush, County Clare, as a port of call for passengers and mails from trans-Atlantic liners may not be out of place.
Kilrush is the principal seaport town in Clare, and is on the estuary of the River Shannon, which is the largest river in the British Isles. During bad weather steamers off the West of Ireland can make for the Shannon, and come to a safe anchorage in Scattery Roads, about one mile from Kilrush, in sheltered waters during daylight or darkness. There are no navigation difficulties and the anchorage ground is second to none. In pre-war times the British Atlantic Fleet, with some of its largest battleships, has been to anchor in these roads. A liner could come close to Cappa pier, Kilrush, and a tender could land the passengers and mails at any stage of the tide. -----------.

1931 4th February (IT).
Kilrush as Port of Call.
This morning, Mr Fionan Lynch, Free State Minister for Lands and Fisheries, accompanied by Mr. C. E. Glynn, visited Cappa Pier and the coast adjoining Scattery Roads. The Minister was favourably impressed by the natural facilities, which Kilrush offered.

1931 5th February (IT).
Kilrush as Port of Call.
Messrs. Glynn and Sons, Kilrush, have received the following cablegram: -
“New York, via W. Union-Executive Vice-President of the United States Lines writes me that the Kilrush calling port will be carefully considered at the first opportunity Letter follows. Looks promising, -. Quinlivan.

1931 17th April (IT).
Kilrush as Port of Call.
Captain Hans Schluter, of the North German Lloyd Company, and Mr. Edward Kearney, the company's travelling agent visited Kilrush last Tuesday with the object of studying the claims of the Shannon estuary as a port of call for Atlantic liners. They called on Messrs. M. Glynn and Sons, Mr. W J. Glynn motored them to Cappa and then to Aylevaroo whence they were afforded a magnificent view of the roadsteads.

1931 1st August (CC).
Kilrush Regatta:
Judges: Messrs. J.S. Dowling and Bentley: Starter: Capt. J. Walshe: Hon. Sec. M.D. Glynn: Committee: N. M. Glynn, P. D. Jennings, P. Delaney, J. Hazel, M.F. Lynch.---
Gondola Race: J. Lynch & J. Hazel 1, S. Dowling & J Dowling 2.
Four-Oared Gig Race: Scattery Gig 1, Labasheeda Gig 2. ----
Ladies' Canoe Race: Scattery canoe (Miss Moran) 1, Scattery canoe (Miss McMahon) 2.—

1931 1st December (II).
Wanted: for Scattery Island, N.S.:35 on Rolls: a Teacher male or female. Apply Canon Hogan, P.P., Kilrush.

1932 10th September (II).
Kilrush as Port of Call.
The advantages of Kilrush as a port of call for large vessels was stressed at Clare Co. Council, when Mr. M. McMahon said he had read of schemes for the development of Galway and Fenit, costing considerable sums of money. If, he said, they put up a scheme running into thousands of pounds they might get some consideration, but when they had a harbour capable of accommodating the largest ships, as it stood no notice was taken of it. A German steamer had recently berthed at Kilrush with 1,000 tons of coal, and had been discharged in two days.
Mr. T. Falvey thought they should ask the Government for a subsidy for the development of trade at the port.(Cappa).

1933 6th January (II).
Honour for Clare Man.
Mr. W. Poole, M.I.M.E. who will be elected Vice-President of the Institute of Marine Engineers when the Council of that body meets in London on Monday, is a native of Cappagh, Kilrush. He is Commodore Chief Engineer, with 34 years' service with the Prince Line. He now fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Mr. Cockburn, Cunard Line.

The Vice-Presidentship is honorary and is held for three years. It was the Committee of the “Merchant Navy” nominated Mr. Poole for the position. Mr. Poole was in the Merchant Service for a great many years, and was taken prisoner by the Germans in the Great War when his ship was torpedoed. His vessel. Algerian Prince trades between Manchester and Egypt

1933 13th April (II)
German Coal at Kilrush.
SS Frode arrived at Cappa Pier, Kilrush, with 1,000 tons of coal from Danzig for Messrs M. Glynn and sons, giving employment to 57 men in discharging.

1933 22nd November (IT).
Life-Saving in Ireland: -Royal Humane Society Awards.
The following awards have been made by the Royal Humane Society for bravery in life saving from drowning: ----
To Maureen McMahon (18), Branch Librarian, of Kilrush, County Clare, for saving from drowning at Cappagh, on September 15th, Nuala Howard (10) schoolgirl, of Kilrush. The rescued girl, while swimming near the pier, became exhausted, and sank. Miss McMahon, who was also swimming, swam towards the child, and gripped her by her hair just as she was sinking for the last time. The child struggled, and dragged Miss McMahon under the water, but she managed to rise to the surface, holding the child, and although she shouted several times for help none was forthcoming, and she eventually got to shore with the child.

1934 17th February (CC).
Pilot's Tragic End.
An inquest was held at the City Hospital, Limerick on Thursday last by Dr. M.R. Cleary, County Coroner on the body of Felix Brennan (64) married a Shannon Pilot and a native of Kilcredaun, West Clare.
The evidence showed that the deceased having failed to put in an appearance at a meeting of the Limerick Pilotage Committee a search was instituted on Wednesday morning and the deceased was found unconscious in a field at Ballykeefe, Mungret---
--- Death was due to heart failure caused by exposure---.

1935 23rd February (CC).
Kilrush Harbour Board.
At the monthly meeting of the Kilrush Harbour Board, Mr. Thomas Nagle, P.C. Chairman presided. There were also present Messrs. Ml McMahon, J.P.Hughes, Matt Fennell, John Clancy, Thos. Clohessy and Patrick F Tubridy C.E.
An order was made that the advertisement be issued for the post of Harbour Master.
The Chairman asked the acting Harbour Master as to the condition of the berths. Mr Burke replied that the berths would not strip properly until March --------.

1935 4th April (CC).
Kilrush Harbour Board:
At a meeting of the Kilrush Harbour Board, the clerk read a letter stating that the appointment of Andrew Burke as Harbour Master has been sanctioned at a salary of £2 per week.--.

1936 27th July (II)
Island Experience.
Mr. Jack Brennan, of Scattery Island was “marooned” for about 19 hours on an island in the Shannon.
He left Cappagh Pier, Kilrush, to noon on Friday, but as the tide was strong, he had to take refuge at Hog Island, between Kilrush and Scattery Island. The canoe drifted, and was recovered by Master E. McGrane, Cappa.
Mr. Brennan was rescued by Messrs J. Morrissey, O'Brien and his son.

1936 17th August (Irish Press).
Kilrush Regatta:
Yesterday one of the most successful Regattas ever held at Cappa Pier, Kilrush was witnessed by a vast crowd.
Canoe Race :( 4 oared) – 1, Simon McMahon (Scattery): 2, Carlo Kelly (Kilrush). Canoe Race (3 oared) – 1, Hennessy’s Crew (Kilrush): 2, Bradley’s Crew (Querrin): 3, McMahon’s Crew. Boys' Canoe Race. - 1, McMahon’s Crew; 2, McGrane’s Crew. Gig Race- 1, A. McMahon (Scattery): 2, J. Kelly (Ballylongford). Punt Race, - 1, Dan Ryan (Cappa): 2, E. McGrane, junr. Duck Race- 1, J. O’Toole (Ballykett): 2, McInerney (Kilrush).
Swimming- Girls (under 16) -1, Sheila O’Toole (Ballykett); 2, Mary Coughlan (Kilrush). Boys (under 16) - 1, Vincent Fennell: 2, Charles Glynn (Kilrush). Men's- 1, J. O'Toole (Ballykett): 2, Leo Gibson (Kilkee).

1936 25th September (II)
Co. Limerick Fisheries: Claims against E.S.B. arising out of the Shannon Scheme.
Claims amounting to thousands of pounds against the E.S.B. were heard at arbitration proceedings held at Limerick by Mr. Geo. Hewson, State Arbitrator. A number of fishery owners claimed compensation for the acquisition of fisheries by the E.S.B. Under the Shannon Fishery Act, 1935. ---
The Arbitrator intimated he would require the income tax returns for two years in an application made by Mary McAuliffe and Dr. J. McAuliffe, owners of the Kilkerrin Fisheries, Clonderlaw Bay, who claimed £21,856 compensation, the E, S, B, offering £7,500. ---
The Arbitrator reserved his decision on the application of Major Cecil R. Leslie, Tarbert, who claimed £5,812 for the acquisition of his stake weirs on the Shannon at Tarbert. The applicant stated his average income from all his weirs was £226. He had rejected an offer of £2,500 made by the E.S.B. The applicant was dealing on a 4 p.c. basis of his income from the weirs.

The decision of the arbitrator was also reserved in the application of Mr. F.W. Gore Hickman, Ennis who claimed £22,633 for the acquisition of weirs in Clonderlaw Bay, Co. Clare.
The application stated that all the weirs up to 1922 were destroyed when his house was burned and had not again been fished until 1928. He gave details of profits. It was stated the E.S.B. had offered applicant £6,000. The arbitrator said that on the figures the average profits were £607 per year for five years.
An award of £600 was made by the arbitrator on the application by John Malone, Kilrush, who claimed £7,600 for three weirs in the Lower Shannon. ---

1937 2nd January (IT).
Limerick Pilot's Escape:-Boat wrecked in the Shannon.
Four Limerick pilots had a thrilling experience while proceeding by boat from the docks to the pilot station on Cains Island, which is, situated about nine miles down the river.
The pilots' boat was being towed by a steamer when the boat sprang a leak and became unmanageable. The pilots succeeded in getting on board the steamship in which they were conveyed to Scattery Island.
They lost all their belongings in the boat, which became a total wreck yesterday. The pilots returned to the city in the SS Moyalla, which they boarded at Kilrush.

1937 16th January (CC).
Timber Cargo at Cappa.
A few weeks ago, we announced the expected arrival of the steamship “Cora” with a cargo of timber to Messrs. G.O'Doherty and Son, Kilrush. Our correspondent now informs us although the steamer experienced the full force of the recent gales she arrived safely in port. ---.

1938 4th February (IT).
Swedish Vessel at Cappa.
The largest steamer ever to dock at Cappa Pier, Kilrush, County Clare, is discharging this week. She is the SS Koster (1,400 tons), a Swedish vessel, with a cargo of cement from Antwerp for Messrs, G. O'Doherty and Sons. Owing to the recent bad weather, she had been unable to dock for some days, and her large size and length take up a big portion of the dock.

1938 19th February (IT).
Shannon Fisheries Control: - ---- The Oyster Fisheries:
The Electricity Supply Board has come to the conclusion that it would be desirable to revive, if possible, the oyster fisheries. There were extensive areas in both the Shannon and the deep water of its estuary, which were suitable for the development of oyster fisheries. In former years certain beds had been worked by private enterprise but they had been now abandoned. The beds extended from Foynes westward to Carrigaholt Bay, but the beds most successful worked centred round Kilrush Harbour. (In Poulnasherry Bay). The Board were of the opinion that the development of the oyster fisheries would prove not only remunerative, but would give constant employment to a number of skilled fishermen who were at present unemployed. ---------.

1938 16th December (IT).
New Master Mariner.
Only two extra master mariners have qualified since the local Nautical College in Dublin was instituted. The first of these was Captain Dowd’s, Principal of the College. The second is Captain F.J.Kirk, who recently passed his examination. Captain Kirk is a son of Captain Frederick William Kirk, late of the Limerick Steamship Company, Kilrush, Co. Clare.

1939 4th February (CC).
Limerick Steamship Sinks.
The Limerick steamer Foynes (822 tons) was sunk in a raid by insurgent’s war-planes in Valencia harbour last week. The crew escaped unhurt------. (Spanish Civil War Incident).

1939 18th August (II).
Teeth Help to Solve Mystery: Scot's Visitor's Death.
Five teeth, filled with platinum, and a pair of shoes, on the inside of which was stamped the name “Stead and Simpson Ltd” led to the identification of the dead body washed ashore at Tullig. West Clare nine days ago, as that of Mr. James Brown McDougall a Glasgow bank clerk who disappeared on July 6th while on holiday in Dingle. ------.

1940 24th February (CC).
Drama of the sea. Shipwrecked sailors in Clare.
After a terrible struggle, for almost three days, fighting against wind and tides, rain and hail fifteen men were landed in Fodra Bay near Loop Head on Friday evening. They had been battling for life since 9 o'clock on the previous Wednesday morning when their vessel was sunk by a German submarine and its cargo of 8,000 tons on wheat sent to the bottom. Famished and half frozen they were in a terrible plight when they arrived at Mr. Stephen Haier's in Kilbaha but the hospitality they received there: blazing fires, hot drinks, tea and other refreshments-quickly recovered------
(The ship was not named in this report but was in a letter of thanks on behalf of the crew published in the Clare Champion on the 16th March 1940. She was the SS Langleeford (4,622t) steamer from Boston to the Tyne. She was torpedoed by U 26 about 70 miles from Fastnet on the 14th February 1940. Four of her crew died.)

1941 29th March (II).
Dead Men in Boat:
A lifeboat, which drifted ashore at Moneypoint, near Kilrush, contained the bodies of two men who appeared to have been dead for about 21 days.
There were no documents on the bodies, which would disclose their identity. Biscuits and a barrel containing water were in the boat, which was capable of accommodating 12 passengers. The bodies were interred at Kilrush cemetery.

1941 4th December (IT).
Tuskar hit by mine:-One keeper killed one badly injured.
One lighthouse keeper was killed and another badly injured when a drifting mine struck the Tuskar Rock, some miles off the coast of Wexford, on Tuesday night----- The dead man is Patrick Scanlan, father of seven children, and a native of (Scattery Island), Kilrush, County Clare: the injured keeper is William Cahill, who is also married, with one child, and who is at present in Wexford County Hospital----.

1942 18th August (IT).
Rescued by Irish Ship 18 Seamen Landed.
Eighteen survivors of a British merchant ship sunk (Richmond Castle) in the Atlantic, and who spent ten days in an open boat before being picked up by the Irish Pine, were landed from that vessel at Cappa Pier,Kilrush,yesterday.
Some hours before their arrival the V.A.D. Irish Red Cross, under Messrs.J.C. Clancy and J.A. Doyle, accompanied by the L.D.F, under District Staff Officer W. Hynes, and L.S.F., under Messrs. J.A. Hanson and M. Counihan, equipped with stretchers, blankets and four ambulances, were ready on the pier, and in the shortest time possible had all the survivors conveyed to Kilrush District Hospital, where the local Red Cross Society had them provided with the necessary clothing. -----.

1942 25th July (CC).
Lost at Sea.
Compensation for parents.
At the Circuit Court in Ennis on Friday before Judge O'Donnell S C.
Sinon and Nora McMahon, Scattery Island claimed compensation from the owners of the SS Kerry Head in respect of the death of their son Michael. It appeared the latter was an able seaman on board the ship when it was lost with all hands on 22nd October 1940 on a voyage from Cork to Newport. Prior to his death Michael McMahon was said to have been earning about £4-15s a week out of which he sent his parents £2-10s a week. Before his engagement on the Kerry Head, he contributed on average of £2 a week to the support of the household in Scattery Island.
When the case was called, it was announced that it had been settled by payment to the applicants of £175 with costs and expenses.
A similar application was made by Austin and Bridget McMahon, Scattery Island in respect of the death of their son Stephen McMahon second officer of the Kerry Head earning £5-14s a week. The settlement of this case by the payment of £100 with costs and expenses was also announced.

1943 21st August (CC).
Harbour Receipts.
The receipts at Cappa Pier have failed from £385-9s-1d in 1935 to £112-12s-8d and during the past eight years the total expenditure has been considerably in excess of the receipts as the Urban Council spent substantial sums on the erection of sheds and the general improvement of harbour facilities --------.

1943 30th August (IT).
Irish Drowning Accidents.
Standing erect in the mud at Foynes Quay, beside the fishing trawler “The Twin Sisters” James O'Keeffe 61, a native of Querrin, Kilrush, Co. Clare, was found drowned on Saturday morning. His shipmate, Archie McFarland (23) a native of Schull, Co. Cork, was also drowned. It is believed that the men were returning from the town to their vessel and walked accidentally into the tide. O'Keeffe's body was discovered when the tide had ebbed, besides the boat, and McFarland's some distance away, a few hours later. Another member of the crew, John Brennan,of Scattery Island, who was asleep on the boat, when roused said that he had not been disturbed during the night.-------.

1946 27th April (CC).
What Cappa needed. The average expenditure on Cappa Pier for five years 1924 to 1928 was £166 including the Harbour Master salary of £140 odd per annum.---------------.

1946 1st May (II).
Cappagh Pier, Kilrush: Main Traffic is on the River.
As long ago as 1812, a packet boat plied between Limerick and Kilrush. The authority for the harbour is the Council of the Urban District of Kilrush, and the pier, which has a length of 450 feet, is about a mile from the town.
There is a connection with the West Clare section of C.I.E.
A weekly service runs to and from Limerick, with calls at Tarbert and Foynes. I pre-war years exports included baled hay and kelp, while the chief imports were coal, cement, timber and bricks.
Local opinion is that if money were expended on the extension of the quay, reclamation of ground and dredging of the berths, the harbour with its safe and sheltered approaches would be capable of considerable development.
Direct trading with cross-channel and continental ports would obviate the expense of delivery by transhipment of goods at Limerick for distribution in Kilrush and West Clare.
Some years ago two transatlantic companies had the harbour surveyed as a possible port of call for liners. In 1939, river traffic brought in 14,132 tons of cargo, while cross-channel vessels unloaded 7,400 tons of coal. Tonnage of goods for outward river traffic was 5,753. No figures are available for last year.
The Harbour Act of 1945 is now law, and a new era in the control, management and development of our ports begins------.

1946 18th May (CC).
The first since 1940: This week saw the arrival of the first boat in Cappagh since 1940 it is the m.v. St Rule and it is taking a cargo of 227 tons of sea rods purchased by the Department of Lands in the Quilty area for shipment to Glasgow. -----------.

1946 11th November (IT).
No News of Three Missing Clare Men.
There is still no news of Joseph O'Shea,Andrew Crotty and James Clancy, three young Kilrush men since they left Querrin,Co. Clare, on Thursday, on their return trip in their 12-foot punt with mast and sails.
Yesterday morning the boat's rudder and tiller were picked up near Tarbert,Co. Kerry.

1946 13th November (CC).
The Kilrush Tragedy: District Court Adjourned: Touching references were made by the District Justice on behalf of the Solicitors profession, the Garda and the court staff at Kilrush on Tuesday and the Court adjourned as a mark of respect.----- to Joseph Ketts O'Shea solicitor.

1947 15th January (IT) and (CC) 18th January.
Captain Blames Mist for Grounding:-
Captain John Landerladis, of the Panamanian steamer, Okeanos, which went ashore near the mouth of the Shannon, said that, after he had dropped the pilot at Scattery Island, a heavy mist descended and blotted out everything.
He was afraid of Beal Sound and kept very much to the starboard. Because of the mist, he did not see the Kilcredaun lighthouse, and his ship went on the rocks.
When asked if he thought that the ship would become a total loss, the captain replied: “At the moment it is doubtful: but we hope not although at times I am pessimistic”.
However, it is believed that the ship is so firmly stuck that it will not be possible to refloat her. She is held amidships by solid rock, and at low tide, there is clear space between her bow and the rock, allowing passage under the forward portion of her hull.
Local people first heard distress signals at 9.30 pm,and at 10 pm the Okeanos hit the rocks.

The crew of twenty-seven left the ship in the ship's boat at 10.30 pm and were cared for by local people. Later Kilrush and Carrigaholt Red Cross personnel brought food to Mr. Felix Brennan's house where the crew spent the night. Yesterday afternoon arrangements were being made to set up bunks in the parochial hall at Carrigaholt as quarters for the crew, most of whom are Greeks, including the captain. One Turk, one Swede and one Irishman are among the twenty-seven. The Irishman is Christopher Murphy (20),son of Mr. Thomas Murphy,Ballinacahen,Askeaton, Co. Limerick.

Murphy, who joined the Okeanos at Limerick, said: “Every day for months I visited Limerick docks in the hope of one day going to sea, but each time without success. I was thrilled on Saturday night when Captain Landerladis signed me on as a galley boy, but little did I know that my first journey would be so short”
A more detailed examination yesterday suggested that, although the ship is considerably damaged is not quite so extensive as at first feared. There is no immediate danger. No tug boat is available, and as the ship sailed light there is no cargo to remove to lighten her.

1947 13th February (IT)
For sale, for breaking up, as lying at Kilcredaun Point, near Carrigaholt,Co. Clare, the steamer “Okeanos” Gross 4,716 tons, Net 2,958 tons. Separate offers will be considered for the ship's stores and equipment taken ashore. Full particulars and permission to inspect the ship from:M. Glynn & Sons, Agents for Lloyds and the Salvage Association, Kilrush. Telephone Kilrush No. 2.

1947 12th July (IT).
Mr. de Valera's Visit to Scattery Island.
Mr. de Valera, accompanied by Senator T. V. Honan and members of the Kilrush Fianna Fail Cumann,visited Scattery Island yesterday and heard a lecture by Mr. S. McGuane in the island school relating to St. Senan and the island.

1948 24th January (CC).
Scattery Island. Despite the efforts made to secure telephonic communications with the mainland ,inhabitants of Scattery Island are still without a telephone, which is a great hardship on them especially at this time of the year when some very bad weather has been experienced.

1948 6th February (IT).
Coal for Clare:-
After a rough passage from Liverpool, the MV. Audacity has berthed at Kilrush,Co. Clare, over two days overdue, with 400 tons of coal. ( The Clare Champion of 7th February 1948 states the ship's name was Audacia which is more likely as the Audacity was a tanker)

1948 14th February (CC).
Ships Delayed. Owing to the heavy seas, three merchant vessels had to seek shelter in Scattery Roads off Scattery Island, Kilrush for several days. They were mv. Beatriz, mv Shelbrit and the mv Bassethound -----.

1948 11th August (IT).
Body of bound man washed up near Kilrush.
Bound hand and foot and fully clothed, the body of an unknown man was washed ashore at Burrane, on the River Shannon, two miles from Knock and four miles from Kilrush,Co. Clare, last night.
The man's hands, were tied behind his back with rope, his knees were tied together, and the rope tying his knees was passed around his neck.
He is not known in the district. Strongly built, he is about 30 or 35 years old, has red hair, long in front, and a growth of red hair on his cheekbones. He was dressed in a black coat, dark blue trousers and a green pullover. He was wearing black shoes, and in his coat, he wore a Pioneer badge.
The body was discovered on the strand by Miss Murphy, of Belfast, who is on holiday at Knock.
Dr. J. McGrath, the State Pathologist, will travel to Kilrush this morning to inspect the body, which is still lying on the beach.

1948 12th August (IT).
Suicide Verdict at Inquest on Drowned Farmer:
A verdict of suicide while of unsound mind was returned yesterday at an inquest at Kilrush, Co. Clare, on Peter McDonagh (37),single, a farmer and carpenter, of Beigh, Ballystein, Askeaton, Co. Limerick, whose body was found tied with a rope on the strand at Burrane,Knock,Co. Clare, on Tuesday night.
Dr. John McGrath, State Pathologist, said that the cause of death was asphyxia and heart failure, due to drowning. The tying which he found on the body could have been done by McDonagh himself.
It was not such as to indicate that it was done by an attacker.
Evidence was given that McDonagh had been missing from home since August 4th. It was also said that his health had not been good since before Christmas: that he became depressed and had once said that he wished that he was dead.
The inquest was held by Dr. Michael J. Hillary, Coroner for West Clare.

1948 6th November (CC).
Kilrush—Clare's Cosmopolis, busy town is ready for the future. ------ A mile away the Limburg lay in the shelter of Cappa Pier with a few thousand tons of fertiliser for Clare farms---. ( The Clare Champion under Kilrush notes stated the she had 500 tons of basic slag from Antwerp for the Creamery)

1948 27th November (CC).
The mv Westland with another cargo of 500 tons of basic slag is due for discharge at Cappa Pier on Friday morning.

1949 7th May (CC).
Supply of Coal. A coal boat with a cargo of 450 tons of coal has arrived at Cappa and is being discharged for Messrs Glynn and Sons, Kilrush. On its return journey to England, the boat will take 100 tons of artificial manure manufactured at Irish Marine Products, Kilrush.

1950 4th January (IT).
From Abroad:- The mv Nettie has arrived at Cappa Quay,Kilrush,with 600 tons of Swedish timber-the first since 1938.
(Clare Champion of the 7/1/1950 has ship's name as Nettle)

1950 4th February (CC).
Improvement. A wall extending from the Fish-house to Aylevarroo has just been completed. The necessity for this wall was seen during a high tide before last Christmas when the road unprotected was covered with seaweed. ----------------------.

1950 25th February (CC).
Excitement at Cappa. Sightseers of all ages thronged Cappa Harbour during the week to see the Finnish owned Rex, which has landed with a cargo of 600 tons of timber..........

1950 1st April (CC).
Busy day at Cappa. The Blafell a Swedish boat registered at Helmer landed at Cappa Pier, Kilrush. Several members of the local workers union were employed in discharging it. This was the third cargo of timber to be brought to Cappa within three months ......

1950 1st July (CC).
More Timber Arrives. The mv Algarve has just discharged a cargo of 550 tons of timber from Sweden for Messrs G O'Doherty and Sons, Kilrush. This is the fourth cargo of timber to reach the same firm this year.

1950 14th October (CC).
Timber Cargo Arrives. Cappa Harbour must now be one of the busiest of its size in Ireland. The most recent arrival was the Tylia, Copenhagen, which bought a cargo of 500 tons of timber to Messrs O'Doherty and Sons Ltd and Messrs Blunnie. Thirty men of the workers union discharged the cargo receiving about £4.

1950 21st October (CC).
Big Timber Imports. The Fylla the sixth boat to arrive at Cappa Pier this year for Messrs G O'Doherty and Sons has just returned after discharging 500 tons of timber bringing the total amount received by this firm to 2800 tons since the beginning of the year----------------.

1950 28th October (CC).
Cargo of Manure. The motor ship Mascotte arrived at the docks during the week with a cargo of Basic Slag from Antwerp for the West Clare Creameries. It was the boat's first trip having been recently launched and its consignment was 550 tons -------------.

1950 2nd December (CC).
More Timber Arrives. Over thirty men were employed during the week discharging a cargo of 700 tons of timber at Cappa Pier for Messrs G O'Doherty and Sons, Kilrush. The Rex,( which) conveyed the cargo from the Gulf of Finland, a distance of 1600 miles. -------.

1952 15th March (II).
Tanker Damaged in Shannon Collision:
The tanker, Esso Dakotah (784 tons),was damaged in a collision in the Shannon Estuary with the Limerick steamer,Lanahrone . The Lanahrone, outward bound from Limerick, proceeded on her voyage to Dieppe, but the tanker remained in the Scattery Roads, off Kilrush.---
It is understood that the tanker was damaged above the water-line on her port side in the region of her fuel tank. She will proceed to Foynes this morning.---

1952 15th September (IT).
Lifeboat takes Irish sailor ashore:
-- the Holyhead lifeboat yesterday in response to a message from the S.S. Kylemore, Limerick Steamship Company cargo vessel, requesting medical attention for Michael Melican, a member of the crew who was stated to be seriously ill.
Melican a native of Kilrush, Co. Clare,(Scattery) was taken ashore –and at Stanley Hospital Holyhead last night his condition was stated to be “satisfactory”
The Kylemore, a 920 ton vessel was on a routine Limerick-Liverpool sailing.
(Michael Melican was later a pilot on the Shannon lived at Cappa and died on the 22nd July 1979)

1953 30th April (IT).
The first pilot boat to be built for the Limerick harbour Commissioners, the 15-ton Patricia, was launched yesterday in the river Avoca in Arklow, Co. Wicklow. The boat was built in 16 weeks at the shipyards of John Tyrrell and Sons and cost £5,000. The Patricia is 40 feet long and powered by a 48 h.p. Diesel engine --- she will go to her piloting station at Cappa Pier, Kilrush.

1954 4th November (IP).
Islander fourth of his family to drown. A verdict of accidental drowning was returned yesterday at the inquest in Kilrush on Thomas Moran (35), a native of Scattery Island on the Shannon, who was drowned on Tuesday night when he fell into the river while boarding his father's canoe at Merchant's Quay, Kilrush.
He was the fourth member of his family to be drowned.
Thomas Moran (75), said his son was employed on the lightship Codling, off the Wexford coast, and had notified him that he would arrive at Kilrush on Tuesday.
He met his son after one drink and some shopping they both went to board the canoe about 9 pm. When his son stepped into the canoe, it capsized. When he called to him he answered twice, but he failed to answer the third time. There was no light and no life-saving apparatus on the quay.
The foreman of the jury, Mr. M. J. Flynn, said the place where the canoe was tied was dangerous. “It is as primitive” he said “as one would find in the most savage parts of the world”.
The jury added a rider to their verdict to the effect that a light and a lifebuoy should be provided at the quay. The coroner was Dr. M. J. Hillary.

1958 2nd December (IT).
Holiday resort:
A Tourist Development Association has been formed at Kilrush, Co. Clare, to develop nearby Cappa as a holiday resort.

1959 11th August (Irish Press).
Clare Angler claims record.
Mr. Thomas Pyne, Kilrush, Co. Clare is claiming an Irish record for the 40 lb. Tope which he caught while fishing in the Shannon Estuary off Kilrush on Sunday. In the boat with Mr. Pyne was Mr. Martin Phillips, also of Kilrush, who landed a 32 llb, monkfish. Both anglers were using mackerel heads as bait. ---

1959 14th August (IT).
New deep-sea angling competition:
The first deep-sea angling competition on the Shannon Estuary will take place tomorrow and on Sunday at Cappa, Kilrush, Co. Clare, and judging from the number of entries, should be a marked success. The Minister for Lands and Fisheries, Mr. O'Moráin will attend the festival on Sunday.

1959 10th September (IT).
45 years' service at sea:
The memories that Captain John Scanlan, of Roche's Row, Cobh, will carry into retirement after 45 years' service at sea include the wrecking of his first ship in 1915 after being chased by German U-boats, and spending a week stranded on an Arctic island. A few months after that his second ship went under, and he was 24 hours in a ship's lifeboat before being picked up.
Captain Scanlan retired this week from the Irish Lights Service after nearly 42 years' service. During that time he served as senior master of both the Daunt Rock light vessel, off the mouth of Cork Harbour, and the Kish light vessel off the Dublin Coast.

Captain Scanlan, who is from Kilrush, (Cappa), went to sea in 1915 when he joined the British freighter Buxton, of Hull, and was a member of her crew when she ran aground while dodging German U-boats, and was wrecked on Bear Island, in the Arctic Ocean. Her crew remained a week on the island before they were taken off by a Norwegian vessel and landed at Tromso, in northern Norway from where they were taken to England in a Norwegian passenger vessel.
He was a member of the crew of the British freighter Rustington a few months later when she was torpedoed and sunk by a German submarine 240 miles west of the Scilly Isles, and he and other members of the crew spent 24 hours in a ship's lifeboat before they were picked up by a British destroyer on patrol work, and were landed four days later at Plymouth when the vessel had handed over her convoy.
Captain Scanlan then entered the service of the Limerick Steamship Company, and served in their coasting vessels until he entered the Irish Lights Service in 1918.

1960 19th April (IT).
Voluntary Effort at Cappa:
Thursday, April 28th has been set as the date which about 50 volunteers will start work on clearing the beach at Cappa, two miles from Kilrush, Co. Clare of unsightly objects and jagged stones and rocks. The object of the operation is to make Cappa, with its fine beach, a tourist resort and a place where the local people can swim and bathe in the summer afternoons after their work. –

1960 13th August (IT).
Youth drowned:
Michael Kelleher, (17), of Crawford Street, Kilrush, Co. Clare, was drowned last night at Cappa, Kilrush when he fell from the pier into the River Shannon.

1964 June 22nd (IT).
Scattery Island's Future Uncertain.
---- Scattery Island has been sold--- Nobody knows what a British officer they never saw, Major Wilson of Dunboyne,Co. Meath, is to do with the island he now owns. Because he is known to be a horse breeding man they wondered whether he would put horses on Scattery---. The families now will share about £20,000 between them for about 170 acres.---
----Mr. Barrie Howard, could not really have raised the money to buy the island with 80,000 five-shilling shares. Mr. Howard who had got supporting letters from Britain and America where many West Clare exiles are, has put the idea in abeyance now that Scattery is bought.----

1964 June 29th (IT).
Scattery owner buys another Shannon island.
Major W.J.L. Wilson, of Dunboyne, Co. Meath, who recently bought Scattery Island in the Shannon estuary, has now bought Hog Island, situated mid-way between the mainland and Scattery Island. The purchase price for the 50-acre island, which was owned by Mr. John Reidy, Henry Street, Kilrush, is stated to be £4,000. The lands are first-quality, and have been used over a long number of years for fattening of horses cattle and sheep.---

Major Wilson has stated that he intends to develop Scattery as a yachting centre provided he is given £1 for £1 by the Government towards the development cost. Local people believe that he also intends to use it as a training ground for his hunters and jumpers.

1967 April 1st (IT).
For Auction on 28th April 1967,at 3 pm. at Jury's Hotel, College Green, Dublin 2.
(Unless previously sold)
Inishbig Island, Kilrush, Co. Clare. Extending to approximately 46 acres,
Situated 600 yards off the coast near Kilrush, the island lies in the Gulf Stream. Easily accessible from Cappagh Pier (berthing facilities for ships up to 1,200 tons). Inishbig Island lies half a mile from Scattery Island on which important tourist and yachting developments are taking place. This is ideal opportunity for an investor to take part in the tourist industry or use the island as a private holiday home.
Telephone available. Electricity shortly being connected.
Mortgage facilities available.
Tenure: Freehold R.V. £26 L.C. A. £7-1-10.
Solicitors: M. Killeen & Co. Kilrush,Co. Clare.
Full Particulars from:
Keane Mahony Smith,Auctioneers,Estate Agents,Valuers & Land Agents,
1 and 2 Molesworth Street, Dublin 2. Tel. 779446.