Victims of one of Achill’s greatest disasters to be remembered at ceremony in Westport

THE people who perished in one of the greatest disasters ever to befall Achill island will be remembered at a ceremony in Westport.

A special wreath-laying ceremony for the victims of the Clew Bay boat tragedy will take place at The Point at Westport Quay on Friday, June 14. 

The ceremony will coincide with the 130-year-anniversary of the disaster, when 32 people died after the boat they were travelling on ‘The Victory’ capsized in the waters of Clew Bay.

On June 14, 1894, 126 passengers embarked on a journey to Scotland, with the first leg involving a trip from Achill to Westport Harbour.

They were to be taken by ‘The Gardenia’ from Westport to Scotland where they hoped to gain employment.

The bodies of the victims were transported home to Achill on the first train ever to reach the island.

A number of descendants of those who died have been invited to next month’s 130th anniversary ceremony, which all members of the public are welcome to attend.

A wreath will be laid during the ceremony in memory of the 32 victims. 

Earlier that day, a talk about the Clew Bay boat disaster will be given in Westport library, which will also host an exhibition on the tragedy.

The wreath-laying at the Point will commence at 5.30pm and will be celebrated by Fr John Kenny while music will be provided by the Clew Bay Pipe Band.

Refreshments will be served afterwards in The Towers in Westport Quay.