The Mayo News

A specially-adapted room at Hennigan’s Heritage Farm in Killasser will serve as a reminder of that fateful day of August 18, 1908 when 75 people died in what became known as the Maypole Colliery Disaster.

Victims’ memory honoured


Michael Commins

HENNIGAN’S Farm Heritage Centre in Killasser now plays host to some memorabilia and memories of a mining disaster in Lancashire 100 years ago that left deep scars on the psyche of a number of Mayo communities. A specially-adapted room at the hugely-impressive centre in the parish of Killasser will serve as a reminder of that fateful day of August 18, 1908 when 75 people died in what became known as the Maypole Colliery Disaster. The mine was located in Abram close to the town of Wigan.
Last Thursday, the Mayor of Wigan, Cllr Rhona Winkworth, was among the special guests at a ceremony hosted by the Mayo Emigration Liaison Committee to honour and commemorate the Mayo and Irish association with the mining disaster. A minute’s silence was observed in memory of those who had lost their lives.
At least 13 people from Mayo, mainly from the Kiltimagh, Knock and Charlestown areas, were among those who perished in the mine. A total of 75 candles were lit representing those who perished in the mining disaster a century ago.
A specially-commissioned painting depicting the family of James McGrath from Kilgarriff, Charlestown, who lost his life in the Maypole Colliery, and who left behind a widow and eight children, dominates the commemoration room set aside in Hennigan’s.
The honour of placing a perpetual light in the room was given to Teresa Connell from Cloonmore near Kiltimagh whose uncle John Kirby died in the pit explosion. Vera Durkan unveiled the plaque in the room. Prayers were led by Fr Dan O’Mahony and also by Rev Thelma who was over from Wigan for the ceremony.
A number of direct relatives of the victims were present for the poignant ceremony. Among them were Brendan McDonagh from Facefield, Claremorris whose grandfather Anthony McDonagh from Kiltimagh died in the Maypole, Attracta Prendergast from Foxford (formerly Regan from Cuiltybo near Kiltimagh) whose grandfather James Byrne from Cloonmore also died in the mine, and Teresa and John Connell of Cloonmore whose uncle John Kirby died at the age of 18 in the explosion.
Tom Hennigan provided a guided tour for the guests and gave a tour de force performance on the day. Quoting poems by Seamus Heaney and other literary figures, he enthralled his audience from Ireland and England with his stories from back the years.
One especially poignant story came in the form of a boot which was made in Parsons’ old shoe factory in Bellaghy, Charlestown. Even 100 years ago, boots from that factory were used in the mining areas of Lancashire, a direct link with the tragedy which was being commemorated on the day.
Kevin Bourke from Ballyvary, who was instrumental in pioneering the project here in Mayo, led the words of thanks to the Hennigan family and everyone who had contributed to the commemoration ceremonies in Mayo.
Mayor Rhona Winkworth from Wigan and Cllr Joe Mellett, Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, were among the guest speakers. Joe Kennedy, Manchester and Doocastle and chairman of Knock Airport Board, rendered a few verses of the old favourite, ‘Moonlight in Mayo’. A rendition of the song and hymn, ‘There Is Always a Place’, was delivered by Maria Walshe from Swinford.
Joe Kennedy, in his brief address, paid a special tribute to Kevin Bourke and to Joe O’Dea, Tom Hennigan, Marianne Staunton, Michael Morgan and the members of the Mayo Emigrant Liaison Committee for the role they played in marking the centenary.
Presentations were made to Mayor Winkworth, Cllr Joe Mellett and Joe Kennedy on behalf of the coordinating committee. A copy of Bernard O’Hara’s ‘History of Killasser’ was presented to the Mayor of Wigan by Bernard himself.
The Maypole Colliery commemoration room adds a further dimension to the extraordinary development that is Hennigan’s Farm Heritage Centre in Killasser. It is well worth a visit anytime.

---

Share this page