Youghal is a seaside town steeped in history, heritage, and coastal charm, promising a memorable experience for all who visit.
Historic Landmarks and Cultural Heritage
Youghal is rich in history, landmarks include the 13th century St. Mary’s Collegiate Church, the preserved Youghal Town Walls, the iconic Youghal Clock Gate Tower, with ties to notable figures such as Oliver Cromwell, Sir Walter Raleigh, and Richard Boyle.
Outdoor Activities and Beach Fun
Youghal is perfect for outdoor activities, explore the countryside on foot or by bike, or take advantage of 5 sandy beaches ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports.
Dining and Entertainment
The town offers a diverse range of dining and entertainment options. From traditional Irish pubs to contemporary restaurants and cafes, there’s something to satisfy all tastes. Year-round events and festivals add to the lively local culture.
Accommodation in Youghal
When looking for accomodation in Youghal you can choose from a cozy bed and breakfast or guesthouse to self-catering or a luxurious hotel.
SAY A PRAYER FOR THE SPIRITS OF TEMPLEMICHAEL
By Mike Hackett
The approaching dark nights of October and Halloween tend to make us think of spirits and ghosts.
Long ago ghost stories were told to gatherings of neighbours at the fireside and the tales sounded so genuine that visitors were often afraid to go home alone around midnight.
In the middle of the last century - a historian named Padraigh O'Maidin of Cork discovered a sad story that concerned Ballynatray Estate. The location is four miles up the Blackwater river from the harbour mouth. It occurred over two hundred years ago when times were difficult for the native Irish.
A poor widow woman lived near the estate and owned a few acres of land. She was asked to sell it to the estate but refused. She was working it with her only son until he was arrested for poaching. This was a serious offence and he was sentenced to death. He was moved to Waterford where he was hanged. This caused consternation in West Waterford and the rage of the local people was amplified when the Estate refused to allow him to be buried in the family plot at Templemichael graveyard. The funeral procession was met at the entrance to Templemichael by thousands of people - and the police in attendance were outnumbered so much as to be unable to stop it. The burial took place and the people disbanded and went quietly home.
Templemichael has two adjoining cemeteries - one outer and the other inside it through a pedestrian-size doorway in a wall. The remains of a Norman castle stand high overall - half of it blown away by Cromwell's canon guns when he crossed the river here on his way to Youghal. Also in the graveyard is the frame of an old Church-of-Ireland building beside an overground vault containing a lot of coffins. Those coffins can be glimpsed through the slits in the steel doors at both ends. It is not a place to frequent after dark.
Now there are a lot of reports of unusual experiences - especially in the inner graveyard. One visitor told me of a terrible cold feeling coming over him there suddenly. He panicked and had trouble getting away out through the doorway in the wall. He claims it was definitely supernatural. The claimant is an ex army Commandant and quite sane and sober. Another story tells of a ghost hunter travelling around the different buildings and graveyards of Ireland to record her exploits in a book. She reported that the atmosphere in Templemichael was the eeriest of the whole lot.
So back to the poor widow woman's son who is buried there. Is his spirit demented and awaiting prayers to free him or is some other poor soul troubled in that centuries old graveyard.
Another sad story associated with Templemichael tells of a young cabin boy on board the ketch 'Daisy' while it was moored in Youghal Harbour in 1933. A fight broke out between the captain and the boy and it became so bad that the young lad jumped overboard in an effort to swim to shore.
The Blackwater has vicious currents and the boy was drowned. He was named William Perrot from Wales. His body was washed ashore upriver near Templemichael and he was buried there in that graveyard. William's family came for the funeral and they arranged with Tom Hickey of Stael Boreen - across the road from the graveyard - to care for the plot and the little timber cross that they could afford. Tom was very reliable - oiling the cross, cutting the grass and he even planted box hedging around the perimeter.
Every Christmas -the Perrott family would send a present to Tom in appreciation. But the years flew by - Tom died in 1976 and the grave became overgrown. The timber cross decayed and fell.
Move on a few years again - to when a local fisherman was gathering periwinkle shellfish on the rocks below Youghal Lighthouse. In clearing away some seaweed - he discovered a simple memorial to William Perrott carved into a plateau on the rocks. It seems that a brother of the deceased was a stone mason and he chiselled the one foot square memorial high on the rocks. It is difficult to find and one has to climb onto the higher side of a rock formation on the seaside of a sand walkway to see it. It is directly below the viewing platform beside the dwelling of the Lighthouse. That simple reminder - although covered by full tide twice a day - is still visible.
Then because so many local folk - having heard the story - could not find the memorial - a special 'unveiling' was arranged to show the exact location. After the gathering had heard the story - some sea shanties were played and a new timber cross with a brass plaque was brought to Templemichael to be placed on the grave.
Kitty Fleming who lived nearby had identified the exact location and the reminder of the box hedge confirmed it. For those visiting - William Perrott's grave is just behind the overground vault of the Smyth family and now has a special concrete cross kindly donated by Colin Bulman of Egan's Undertakers.
The last of the Smyth family to live at Ballynatray - Horace Holroyd Smyth - died tragically while out shooting deer on his deer-park in 1964. His gun fired as he crossed a ditch killing him instantly. He is buried just inside the gate at Templemichael graveyard on the left-hand side. A small headstone marks the spot. Horace was a thorough gentleman and was greatly respected by all his neighbours. He encouraged visits to the famous Molana Abbey (on Ballynatray Estate) at any time. Following his death - visitors to the 501 A.D. Abbey were allowed to have open-air Mass there every year. Then in the 1960s when the Catholic church in Glendine was being renovated - the Protestant one in Templemichael was made available for the locals to attend Mass.
Kitty Fleming - who was secretary for Horace - kept the accounts and paid the bills. He thought very highly of her and whenever a meeting of the West Waterford Hunt was held - they would both ride out. A white horse was always provided for Kitty. Kitty outlived Horace by decades and when she died some of her ashes were buried in his plot - the rest are buried in the Fleming family plot in Clashmore.
So now you have reason to think of spirits and say prayers at Templemichael.
Anois beidh tu ag abairt paidir dos na daoine ann. Now You'll be saying a prayer for the people there.
- Mike Hackett - October 2026. ...
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A BIRTHDAY SURPRISE ON YOUGHAL BEACH FOR MARY KEARNS.
Where better to celebrate your 80th birthday than on Youghal’s famous Blue Flag beach — surrounded by good friends?
Regular swimmer Mary Kearns got a lovely surprise recently when she emerged from the water after her daily swim to find her swimming friends and colleagues waiting to celebrate her special birthday.
There were gifts, plenty of good wishes and, in a particularly romantic touch, a beautiful rose for the birthday girl!
Mary, pictured in green with her swimming friends, has been a regular on Youghal beach and clearly knows the secret to keeping fit, happy and surrounded by great company.
Happy 80th birthday, Mary — and many more happy swims! 🌹🏊♀️🎂 ...
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Team M to Close After 18 Years in Youghal - Mat and Jen call time on an era
After 18 years in business, Team M has announced that it will close its doors in Youghal this Sunday.
Mat and Jen shared the news on the Team-M Tattoo Studio Facebook page, describing it as a sad decision but saying they had reached a stage in their lives where other things had become more important and new ventures were waiting.
Over almost two decades, Team M became a familiar name in Youghal, operating its tattoo and piercing studio on South Main Street, alongside the hair salon which was also part of the business over the years.
In announcing the closure, Mat and Jen thanked everyone who had been part of Team M during its 18 years, particularly the many customers who passed through both the hair salon and tattoo studio.
The business has also been involved in the wider Youghal community over the years, regularly supporting local events, charities and fundraisers.
That contribution was reflected in many of the messages posted following the announcement, with customers and friends wishing Mat and Jen well and recalling the role Team M has played in the town.
While the doors are closing on Team M, it may not be the last Youghal sees of Mat and Jen.
Responding to one of the messages wishing them well, they were quick to point out that people weren't getting rid of them quite so easily, adding that it is Team M that is closing and telling followers to "watch this space."
Before the final day, Team M is running its Flash tattoo and piercing offers this week as a thank you to customers.
After 18 years, Sunday will bring the Team M chapter to a close, but judging by Mat and Jen's own words, another chapter may not be too far away.
By Kieran McCarthy · Youghal Online
Photo: Team-M Tattoo Studio ...
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€120,000 Donation in Memory of Youghal’s Emer Casey - Funding will support vital genetic testing.
Twenty years after her death at just 28, the legacy of Youghal woman Emer Casey continues through work that is making a real difference for cancer patients.
The Emer Casey Foundation has donated €120,000 to support cancer genetics and genetic testing at St James’s Hospital in Dublin, continuing two decades of fundraising and support for research into ovarian and endometrial cancers.
Emer Casey, the youngest of five daughters, was from Youghal and had recently qualified as a solicitor when she became ill. She was diagnosed with ovarian/endometrial cancer in February 2006 and died on June 10th that year, aged 28.
Following her death, her family, friends and work colleagues established the Emer Casey Foundation in her memory, with a determination to support research that could improve the diagnosis and treatment of these cancers.
What began in the aftermath of a devastating loss has since developed into a sustained programme of fundraising and research support spanning Ireland and further afield.
Over the years, the Foundation has funded major research projects, including three PhD fellowships at Trinity College Dublin. Earlier funding included almost €500,000 for the DISCOVARY research consortium, which brought together researchers working to better understand ovarian and endometrial cancer.
More recently, the Foundation played an important role in making BRCA testing available to women with ovarian cancer in Ireland through the tBRCA study.
The testing looks for changes in the BRCA genes, information which can influence treatment options and can also have implications for family members. Cancer Trials Ireland has highlighted how the Emer Casey Foundation helped make the Irish tBRCA study possible alongside AstraZeneca and OvaCare. Clinicians involved in the programme have reported that identifying BRCA mutations allowed some patients to access treatments which have significantly extended their survival.
The importance of this area of research continues to grow. A nationwide Irish study published in September found clinically actionable inherited BRCA1 or BRCA2 variants in more than one in ten ovarian cancer patients who underwent germline testing. The research itself also acknowledges support from the Emer Casey Foundation.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Foundation.
The milestone was recognised at St James’s Hospital in September with an event focusing on inherited cancer genetics and the opportunities that genetic knowledge can provide for patients and their families.
For Youghal, it is also a remarkable local story.
A foundation created in memory of a young woman from the town has gone on to support researchers, specialist cancer services and patients for two decades, while helping to advance an area of medicine that can directly influence how cancer is treated.
Twenty years after Emer's death, the work being carried out in her name continues.
Article: Kieran McCarthy · Youghal Online
Photo: Emer Casey Foundation ...
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THE MERRICK’S LEDGER: 5,000 NAMES AND A REMARKABLE WINDOW INTO OLD YOUGHAL.
Saved For More Than A Century, A Remarkable 1914–1916 Shoe Ledger Is Offering A Glimpse Into The Everyday Lives Of People In Youghal And The Surrounding Countryside
There are times when an old book turns out to be much more than an old book.
For more than a century, a battered ledger from Merrick’s Department Store on North Main Street, Youghal, has quietly preserved the names of the people who bought and repaired their shoes there during the years 1914 to 1916.
Containing more than 5,000 names and entries, its pages reach far beyond Youghal itself, taking in people from surrounding areas of East Cork and West Waterford. The entries record shoes, boots, repairs and payments in the old pounds, shillings and pence.
But behind those faded pages is something much more significant: a glimpse into the everyday lives of ordinary people in this part of Ireland more than a century ago.
And remarkably, the ledger survived because one local man decided that it was too important to throw away.
That man is SEAN MURPHY.
Sean, a retired local fisherman, came across the ledger when it was being cleared from the old Merrick’s building. He kept it safe for decades and recently brought it down again while work was being carried out in his attic.
As Sean told me when we sat down together to look through the pages, he simply felt that it would be a terrible loss if the ledger disappeared.
For Sean, it is much more than an old shop book. It is a social history of Youghal.
NORTH MAIN STREET — THE HEART OF YOUGHAL’S SHOPPING LIFE
To understand what this ledger represents, it helps to imagine North Main Street as it once was — a busy commercial centre where people from Youghal and the surrounding countryside came to shop, work and conduct their everyday business.
Merrick’s Department Store stood on the street, with Pasley’s Grocery Store across the road.
An old photograph brings that world vividly back to life, showing a bustling North Main Street and reminding us of the importance of the town centre to generations of local people.
But the ledger gives us something the photograph cannot. IT GIVES US THE NAMES.
Page after page contains people from North Main Street, South Abbey, Tallow Street, the Strand and other parts of Youghal, as well as places including Clashmore, Ardmore, Piltown and the surrounding countryside.
There are family names that will still be familiar to people in Youghal today, along with streets and townlands whose appearance in the ledger provides another small piece of the town’s social history.
MORE THAN A RECORD OF SHOES
At first glance, it might be tempting to think that a shoe ledger would have little historical importance.
But these pages tell us considerably more than what people put on their feet.
They tell us where people lived, what they bought, what they could afford and how they paid for their purchases.
Some footwear cost around ten shillings — a considerable amount of money at the time — and the ledger shows payments being made in smaller amounts and crossed off as they were paid.
There are also references to weekly and monthly payments and to people working as maids in larger houses who were buying footwear and having repairs carried out.
It is almost possible to imagine the people behind the handwriting: a customer arriving in Merrick’s, making a purchase, arranging payment and then returning to everyday life.
1914 — AS THE WORLD WENT TO WAR
There is another fascinating dimension to the ledger.
Its pages belong to 1914–1916, covering the period when the First World War began. Britain declared war on Germany on 4 August 1914.
And yet, as we look through Merrick’s ledger, there is no dramatic change in its purpose.
In August 1914, as news of war spread across Europe and Britain entered the conflict, life in Merrick's continued in its ordinary rhythm. The ledger records customers coming into the shop for shoes, boots and repairs, a reminder that while history was changing dramatically beyond Ireland, people still had to get on with the everyday business of life.
CHRISTMAS 1914 AND THE BEGINNING OF 1915
The pages we have now examined make that contrast even more striking.
The ledger contains entries dated 24 December 1914 — Christmas Eve — and 1 January 1915, showing that the ordinary business of Merrick’s continued right through Christmas and into the New Year.
There is something very evocative about that.
The First World War was raging across Europe, yet here in Youghal the ledger was still being written in its careful handwriting, recording the everyday transactions of local people.
The war was changing the world. But people still needed to get on with their lives. And the ledger quietly records that continuity.
As 1915 drew to a close, the same story continued, with further entries appearing towards the end of the year.
BEFORE THE THROWAWAY SOCIETY
Perhaps one of the most interesting things the ledger tells us is how different our relationship with everyday possessions once was.
Today, when a pair of shoes becomes worn or damaged, it can often be easier to replace them than repair them. More than a century ago, things were different.
The ledger contains numerous references to REPAIRS, HEELS, SOLES, RUBBERS, LACES AND EVEN PATCHES.
A pair of shoes was something to be looked after and made to last. That was not unusual — it was simply part of everyday life. And perhaps there is an unexpected lesson here for 2026.
We now live in what is often described as a disposable society, where clothing and footwear can be replaced rather than repaired.
The Merrick’s ledger gives us a glimpse of another way of living — BUY IT, MAINTAIN IT, REPAIR IT AND MAKE IT LAST.
Those small entries for repairs may seem insignificant, but collectively they tell us something important about the people whose names fill these pages.
A LEDGER FULL OF PEOPLE
What makes the book particularly fascinating is that it is not simply a financial document.
It is a map of the community.
The names reach across Youghal and into East Cork and West Waterford, showing the geographical reach of Merrick’s and the importance of Youghal as a shopping centre.
There are also connections to other pieces of local history.
When we were looking through the names, I was reminded of the recent commemoration of the YOUGHAL FERRY DISASTER and how people from the West Waterford side of the Blackwater would have travelled across the ferry to shop in Youghal.
The ledger contains names and places from that same wider community.
It means that the book may eventually provide another avenue for families researching their own history.
Somebody looking through the pages today may suddenly come across the name of a great-grandparent, grandparent or other relative.
And there is something very special about that possibility.
THE HANDWRITING TELLS ITS OWN STORY
Then there is the handwriting. The beautiful, flowing joined-up script on these pages is itself a reminder of another era. No keyboards. No spreadsheets. No computerised accounts.
Just pen, ink, paper and the careful handwriting of the person keeping the records.
And despite the passage of more than a century, much of it remains remarkably readable.
The ledger survived because somebody cared enough to preserve it.
Now Sean hopes that it can eventually be placed somewhere where the people of Youghal can see it and where it can be preserved for future generations.
He has made clear that he does not want such an important piece of the town’s social history to simply disappear.
A PIECE OF YOUGHAL WAITING TO BE REDISCOVERED
There are undoubtedly thousands of stories hidden inside Merrick’s ledger. The names are there. The streets are there. The townlands are there. The prices are there. And behind every entry is a person who was simply getting on with life.
The ledger began before the First World War and continued through the war years. It was being written on Christmas Eve 1914, on New Year’s Day 1915 and again as 1915 drew to a close.
The world around those people was changing enormously. But their everyday lives continued. And perhaps that is the greatest value of this extraordinary old book. It reminds us that history is not only about the great events that make the headlines.
It is also about the people who went to work, raised their families, walked the streets of Youghal, crossed the ferry, came into town to shop, paid their bills and went about their everyday lives.
More than a century later, their names are still here.
And thanks to Sean Murphy, THEIR STORIES HAVE NOT BEEN THROWN AWAY.
Story and pictures by Michael Hussey.
This story is based on an audio interview I recorded with Sean Murphy at his home, where Sean showed me the remarkable Merrick’s ledger and shared his memories and thoughts on its significance to Youghal. The interview will also feature on The Rural Report with Noel Cronin on Community Radio Youghal this Saturday morning at 10am.
1. Picture: Sean with the ledger
Sean Murphy with the historic Merrick’s shoe ledger on North Main Street, Youghal, with the former Merrick’s Department Store visible behind him. The ledger contains more than 5,000 names and entries dating from 1914 to 1916.
2. Picture: Historic North Main Street photograph
North Main Street, Youghal, in an earlier era, with Merrick’s Department Store on the left and Pasley’s Grocery Store on the right, illustrating the busy commercial life of the street.
3. Christmas Eve 1914 ledger page
An entry in Merrick’s ledger dated 24 December 1914 — Christmas Eve, just months after the outbreak of the First World War.
4. New Year’s Day 1915 page
The ledger continues into the New Year, with entries dated 1 January 1915.
5. Repair entries
Heels, soles, rubbers, laces and repairs feature throughout the ledger, offering an insight into a time when footwear was repaired and maintained rather than routinely discarded.
6. End of 1915 pages
The ledger continued recording the everyday business of Merrick’s as 1915 drew to a close. ...
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STANDING OVATION FOR YOUGHAL LITTLE THEATRE’S MAGNIFICENT THE FIELD
Full house at the Walter Raleigh Hotel rewards months of work with a memorable night of theatre.
YOUGHAL LITTLE THEATRE received the reception it richly deserved on Friday night, 2nd October, as a packed Walter Raleigh Hotel rose to its feet following a wonderful performance of John B. Keane’s The Field.
The ballroom was filled to capacity for the sold-out performance, and from the opening scenes it was clear that the months of rehearsals, preparation and hard work had paid off. The cast brought Keane’s powerful story to life with confidence, humour, tension and emotion, while an impressive set transformed the hotel ballroom into a convincing theatrical space.
A complete lighting rig and sound system had been installed by Youghal Little Theatre. Live music in the hotel lobby added to the atmosphere before the curtins went up. The performance was also professionally recorded by William O’Mahony Video Productions.
MC Tommy Collins was in fine form as usual, keeping proceedings moving and announcing the lucky draw winners during the interval.
But perhaps the best review of the night came from the audience themselves. As the performance ended, the entire cast were greeted with sustained applause and a standing ovation, each receiving individual recognition before joining together for a thoroughly deserved collective bow.
Director Jim Morey, addressing the audience afterwards, thanked everyone who had helped bring the production together since rehearsals began in February. He paid particular tribute to Karen Desmond for her artistic work on the set and props, including the pulpit and dramatic wall feature, as well as the committee, technical crew, musicians and all those working behind the scenes.
Jim summed up the evening perfectly: “I sincerely hope you enjoyed it, because we enjoyed doing it for you.”
JUDGING BY THE STANDING OVATION, YOUGHAL CERTAINLY DID. ...
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€150,000 BOOST FOR THREE WEST WATERFORD GAA CLUBS
Shamrocks, Tallow and Lismore to benefit.
Three West Waterford GAA clubs are set to benefit from a welcome €150,000 funding boost, with Shamrocks GAA in Knockanore, Tallow GAA and Lismore GAA each receiving €50,000 over the next two years, paid at €25,000 per year.
The donation comes from Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, who recently purchased Strancally Castle and its estate, around 20 km from Youghal.
The funding is going directly to the three clubs closest to Strancally, where it will be used for a range of practical projects and improvements.
For Shamrocks, a small rural club serving Knockanore, Glendine and Kilwatermoy, the funding will help with plans to upgrade dressing room facilities.
Tallow GAA intends to invest in coaching and games as well as club facilities, including a community walkway and a new 100 seat spectator stand.
In Lismore, the funding is expected to contribute towards improvements including floodlighting, pitch side fencing and a community walkway.
In a statement announcing the donations, Zuckerberg and Chan acknowledged the role played by GAA clubs in communities around Ireland.
“The GAA is at the heart of communities across Ireland. As new members of the Waterford community, we're proud to support these local clubs and the important role they play.”
While the names behind the donation will inevitably attract attention, the lasting impact will be much closer to home.
For Shamrocks, Tallow and Lismore, €50,000 each represents a significant contribution towards facilities used week in, week out by players, volunteers, young people and families.
And with all three clubs just up the road from Youghal, it's a welcome bit of good news for our West Waterford neighbours.
Article by Kieran McCarthy · Youghal Online ...
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150TH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATION OF THE YOUGHAL FERRY BOAT TRAGEDY
WEDNESDAY, 30TH SEPTEMBER 2026 – 5PM
YOUGHAL FERRYSLIP
This Wednesday, 30th September, marks 150 years since the tragic Youghal Ferry Boat disaster of 1876, when fourteen people lost their lives on the River Blackwater.
To mark this sombre anniversary, a small commemoration ceremony will take place at the Youghal Ferryslip at 5pm sharp, at the very place from which those on board set out on their final journey.
The ceremony will open with prayers and the blessing of a floral wreath by Fr Pat O'Donoghue.
Local speakers will include Mike Brooks, formerly of Youghal RNLI; local river historian Tony Lawlor; and John Kelly of Youghal Celebrates History. A specially composed poem to mark the 150th anniversary, written by Tommy Byrne, will also be read.
Following the ceremony, Sean Murphy and Barry Clohessy of the Youghal Fishermen's Co-op will lay the wreath on the waters of the Blackwater from Tony Gallagher's boat, Maeve Og.
Members of Youghal RNLI and Youghal Coast Guard will also be in attendance.
The tragedy remains one of the darkest chapters in Youghal's maritime history. The fourteen people who lost their lives would have had families, homes and connections in the communities on both sides of the Blackwater, and for many, the ferry was an important and regular means of crossing the river.
It is only right and fitting that, 150 years later, their memory is remembered at the very place where their final journey began.
WEDNESDAY, 30 SEPTEMBER AT 5PM – YOUGHAL FERRYSLIP.
ALL ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND AND JOIN US IN REMEMBERING THOSE WHO LOST THEIR LIVES IN THIS TERRIBLE TRAGEDY.
By Michael Hussey
Illustration: An artistic reconstruction of the 1876 Youghal Ferry Disaster ...
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NEW HEADSTONE FOR YOUGHAL'S TITANIC SURVIVOR JACK FOLEY
An enquiry to Youghal Online led to a new headstone for Youghal's Titanic survivor.
Almost a year ago, Youghal Online received an unexpected message from the British Titanic Society asking for help with a very worthwhile project.
Trevor Baxter, Titanic Graves Co-ordinator with the British Titanic Society, was trying to make contact with relatives of Youghal-born Titanic survivor John "Jack" Foley. Jack's grave at Hollybrook Cemetery in Southampton had remained unmarked for more than 90 years, and the Society wanted to erect a headstone in his memory.
Youghal Online was happy to help and put Trevor in contact with local maritime history enthusiast Kevin Melly, who, together with Peter Landers, had previously led the campaign to have Jack commemorated with a plaque in Youghal's Market Square. The connection was made and the project moved forward.
Now, almost a year later, a fitting new headstone stands at Jack Foley's grave in Southampton, and Kevin made the journey from Youghal to attend the unveiling.
The black headstone, bearing the crest of the British Titanic Society, records Jack's Youghal roots and his role aboard RMS Titanic:
"TITANIC CREW MEMBER WHO MANNED LIFEBOAT 4"
The British Titanic Society funded the headstone. Jack Foley was born at Muckridge, Youghal, on 14th September 1865. He was serving as a deck storekeeper aboard Titanic when the ship sank in the early hours of 15 April 1912.
Jack was among the crew who manned Lifeboat 4, which carried women and children away from the sinking ship. After Titanic went down, the boat also picked up men from the freezing Atlantic.
Among those pulled from the water was Jack's shipmate Samuel Hemming. Hemming swam towards Lifeboat 4 and called to Foley for help. Jack, together with others aboard, helped pull him to safety.
Jack survived the disaster and returned to Southampton, where he continued working at sea. He died on 18 September 1934 following a stroke and was buried at Hollybrook Cemetery.
For more than 90 years, his grave remained without a headstone.
The photographs from the recent gathering show flowers laid at the new memorial, alongside the Irish tricolour and Cork colours. The unveiling is another chapter in the work already undertaken to remember Jack in his hometown.
In August 2020, Kevin Melly and Peter Landers led a fundraising campaign which resulted in a bronze plaque being unveiled in Jack's honour at Market Square in Youghal.
The following year, Kevin and Peter compiled A Man To Remember, a booklet telling Jack's story, with proceeds going to the RNLI.
More than 90 years after his death, John "Jack" Foley's grave now bears a fitting memorial to the Youghal man who survived the sinking of the Titanic and helped others to safety.
Youghal Online was glad to have played a small part in making the initial connection.
Special thanks to Kevin Melly for sharing the photographs and making the journey to Southampton, and to Trevor Baxter and the British Titanic Society for their work in ensuring Jack's final resting place is now appropriately marked.
Photos: Kevin Melly
Article: Kieran McCarthy · Youghal Online ...
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