Friday’s Morning Focus was a Special Show to Commemorate three Clare People on Board the Titanic – which sank 100 years ago this weekend
Martin McMahon of Cragbrien, Ennis – Age 20 – LOST
Daniel Keane – Gallowshill, Cratloe – Age 35 – LOST
Mary Agatha Glynn – Slievenore, Flagmount – Aged 19 – remarkably SAVED
We heard details of the fate ful journey of the 20 year old Martin McMahon of Cragbrien, Ennis read by Clare FM’s Trudy Waters
Though there are no surviving relatives of Martin McMahon, his sister Margaret (Mago) married a man in Newmarket on Fergus and together they raised his orphaned nephews including James Mulqueen from Newmarket on Fergus
James joined John to remember various stories of the Titanic and Martin McMahon as he was told them over the years by Mago – she also lived in the states for many years to "continue his mission in life to go to the new world"
We heard details of the fateful journey of 35 year old Daniel Keane of Gallowshill, Cratloe read by Clare FM’s Trudy Waters
Ita Cusack from Sixmilebridge is the Grand-Niece of the late Daniel Keane –
She joined John to recall tales of his farewell party before he left for the USA on board the Titanic and spoke about planning Mass in Cratloe to commemorate him this weekend
Mary Agatha Glynn – Slievenore, Flagmount
– Aged 19 – remarkably SAVED
Christy Glynn from Derrybrien, Co. Galway is Grand Nephew of the late Mary Glynn – he’s been doing some research among family about her survival on the Titanic and her life afterwards as he explained when he joined John in studio
Mary Noonan of Flagmount and and Dromindoora National School was also in studio to speak about organising a Titanic commemorative ceremony in Flagmount this weekend and also doing much research on Mary Agatha Glynn’s Life – she had lots of stories to tell.
Peggy Keane, nee O’Donoghue of Knocknagoshel, Co. Kerry is the niece of Mary Agatha Glynn’s husband Patrick – she lived in Washington for 10 years and knew Mary well – she has lots of memories of the stories Mary recounted about her Titanic ordeal that she shared with listeners.
On Sunday the East Clare parish of Killanena Flagmount together with the cousins of the Glynn and Guilfoyle families will pool their many talents to honour the memory of one of their own and the only Clare survivor of the Titanic Disaster
The day will begin with the ringing of The Millennium bell, 13 times at 9.20am to coincide with the time of Mary’s rescue
A commemorative walk will take place from Flagmount to Slievanore where it is intended to plant a tree at the site of the Glynn homestead followed by some activities at the lakeshore and a special commemorative Mass at 2pm in Flagmount Church
Finally a commemorative plaque will be unveiled by a member of the Glynn family and Mayor of Clare, Pat Hayes
Pat Hayes spoke with John ahead of the weekend with Councillor Tony Mulqueen from Ennis who led calls in Clare County Council to commemorate the Clare presence on Titanic.
Ennis woman Mary Poirier acted in the orignal Titanic movie made in 1958 ‘A Night to Remember’
She played the part of Kate- a member of an Irish family that boarded in Cobh and travelled steerage- her character survived the sinking
She joined John in studio to speak about the experience.
On Sunday a new memorial will be unveiled in Cratloe marking the site of the Cratloe Ambush
The ceremonies will begin with a commemorative Mass, 12.00 noon at Meelick Church in memory of those from Meelick & Cratloe who took part in the War of Independence
This will be followed by a wreath laying ceremony at the Republican Plot in
Meelick Churchyard
Padraig Og O Ruairc- Secretary of the Meelick and Cratloe War of Independence Commemoration and local historian and author explained.
Donal Griffin had a word ahead of a fundraiser in aid of the Fr John Molloy Mission they are are holding this Saturday night in Cois na hAbhainna, Ennis at 9.30pm
Donal was a member of a Clare group that travelled to Ecuador a year ago to volunteer with Fr John Molloy in Ecuador
There is a population of about 40,000 in the area where he is based – most of the people live in poverty with little facilities
Looking for people’s support for the dance on Saturday night – tickets available on the door for €10.
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