Today on what was the hundredth anniversary of the worst shipping catastrophe to hit our area in modern times, Newry Maritime Association held two solemn events in Newry city.
Alex Easton speaking at the Newry Maritime Association's Connemara Retriever Centenary event. Alex unfurled a memorial on the 100th anniversary of the tragedy in Carlingford Lough. Alex's Great Great Grandfather Robert Glenny owned the Clanrye Shipping Company who owned SS Retriever. Looking on is James McArevey, Newry Maritime Association. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
On the third of November 1916 around 8.30pm Newry owned the SS Retriever heading from Garston to Newry collided with SS Connemara on it’s way from Greenore to Hollyhead, close to Haulbowline Lighthouse at Cranfield with the loss of 94 lives with only one person surviving.
An event was held at River Street followed by one at Dublin Bridge. Plaques were erected to remember the disaster and a memorial was unveiled with part of the salvaged hull of the Retriever incorporated.
Speaking about the tragedy Michael O’Hare, Chairman of Newry Maritime Association reminded people that it was an almost forgotten tragedy probably due to the fact that it occurred during World War One and in the year of the Easter Rising.
Alex Easton unveiled the memorials remembering the disaster. His Great Great Grandfather Robert Glenny was the owner of the Clanrye Shipping Company and as Alex pointed out not only would he have lost staff but he would have lost good friends.
Those who died on the Retriever in the tragedy were Paddy O'Neill, Merchants Quay, Newry, Captain; William Clugston, Boat Street, Newry, Mate; Joseph O'Neill, Merchants Quay, Newry, 2nd Mate; Joseph Donnan, Newry Street, Kilkeel, AB; John Stewart, Bridge Street, Newry, Chief Engineer; Edward Mullan, Castle Street, Newry, 2nd Engineer; Samuel McCombe, Queen Street, Newry, Fireman and John Henry Tumelty, High Street, Newry. James Boyle, Warrenpoint was the sole surviver. 86 people on the Connemara lost their lives.
To end the day of tributes church bells simultaneously rang out around the Cooley Peninsula at 8 tonight.
Rev Lorna Dreaning says a prayer at the Newry Maritime Association Centennial event to remember the SS Connemara and SS Retreiver tragedy. Looking on is James McArevey, Newry Maritime Association. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down, Gillian Fitzpatrick at the commemorations. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
James McArevey, Newry Maritime Association speaking at their Connemara Retreiver Centenary event at Dublin Bridge today. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Shirley Clarke plays the Last Post at River Street in Newry during the ceremony to remember the 94 who died in the Connemara Retreiever maritime disaster on the 3rd of November 2016. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Cliff Coulter, President, Kilkeel Chamber of Commerce at the Connemara Retreiver Centenary event. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Camlough Brass and Reed Band playing at Newry Maritime Association's Connemara Retreiver Centenary event. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Camlough Brass and Reed Band playing at Newry Maritime Association's Connemara Retreiver Centenary event. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Gathered for the Newry Maritime Association's Connemara Retreiver Centenary event. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Observing a moments silence for the 94 victims of the Retriever Connemara disaster. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Alex Easton speaking at the Newry Maritime Association's Connemara Retreiver Centenary event. Alex unfurled a memorial on the 100th anniversary of the tragedy in Carlingford Lough. Alex's Great Great Grandfather Robert Glenny owned the Clanrye Shipping Company who owned SS Retriever. Looking on is James McArevey, Newry Maritime Association. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
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