Drownings to be commemorated 200 years on

Drownings of up to 80 people, which few dared talk about because of fears of a witch’s curse, are being commemorated for the first time next month after 200 years.

But Marine Minister Simon Coveney has rejected an invitation to attend the anniversary service of what is believed to be Ireland’s worst-ever fishing disaster. Commemoration organisers said he told them that his schedule under Ireland’s presidency of the EU won’t permit him spare time to attend.

A giant two-and-a-half tonne engraved Drumkeelan Sandstone rock, is being inscribed by local sculptor Gary McHugh and will be unveiled in a landscaped garden overlooking Bruckless Bay, Co Donegal, on Feb 11, the eve of anniversary of the drownings.