Annaghdown boating tragedy

Going to the fair

On 4th September 1828 a boat called An Caisleán Nua, left the pier at Annaghdown to go to a fair in Galway. There were 31 people on board, all from the Annaghdown area, as well as some sheep which were to be sold at the fair.

Some of the people on board were taking the opportunity to have a day away from their usual routine and making a holiday of it. The atmosphere on the boat was light hearted and good humoured.

Almost there

The journey from Annaghdown to Galway is about 8 miles by boat. The first few miles is through Lough Corrib and then south through the River Corrib. There was only about 2 miles left to travel when they were passing by the village of Menlo.

Tragedy strikes

The boat wasn't in great condition and apparently one of the sheep made a hole in one of the planks with it's hoof. It began taking in water. One of the men on board tried to stop it by plugging the hole with a coat. The plank which had been damaged was rotten, and rather than plug the hole he succeeded in pushing the plank out altogether.

The boat took on water rapidly and sank very quickly. All the passengers and sheep were in the water almost immediately. 20 people were drowned.

The hero

One man on board was named John Cosgrave who was a strong swimmer. He saved several people and went back to save the woman he was shortly to marry. Some desperate people clung to him in a desperate bid to save themselves but only succeeded in drowning him also.

The recovered bodies of those who drowned were brought ashore near Menlo Castle.

Associated Photographs
Annaghdown
Annaghdown pier
Lake at Annaghdown
Menlo Castle
Remembrance plaque, Annaghdown