Drowning of Cork sisters a warning 100 years later

By Christy Parker

A newlywed woman, just weeks after her marriage, went into the sea to save her younger sister from drowning, but both died.

That was 100 years ago in Youghal, Co Cork, but the siblings are to be commemorated at Masses in the seaside town and also in Kanturk, on the anniversary of the tragedy.

Their heartbreaking story has been traced through Irish Examiner archives for their descendants, who want the story to serve as a warning on water safety.

Norah Kirk, also known as Annie, aged 21 and her 17-year-old sister, Emilie Guinee, were from a large farming family from Lismire in north Cork. They were also nieces of scholar James G O’Keefe, noted for his work in translating the medieval tale, ‘Buile Suibhne’ (The Madness of Sweeney).

Both women were teachers in London and had been holidaying in Youghal with their mother, Mary Ellen. Six weeks earlier, Norah had married a British army officer, a Lieutenant Kirk.

Among subsequent generations of the family, the deaths were rarely spoken about. However, three nieces and three nephews now plan to recognise the aunts. James O’Keeffe’s son, also James, and a nephew of the two women, continues to run the farm.

Masses will be held at 10am on Monday, August 20, in Youghal’s Holy Family Church and on the following Wednesday at the Church of Immaculate Conception, Kanturk. Family members, most in their senior years, said they were delighted to remember the aunts they never got to know.

The tragedy occurred on a summer holiday to Youghal. On Tuesday, August 20, 1918, they visited a small inner beach, called Green Hole, adjacent to Green Park, about 10.30am, hoping to “learn to swim”, an inquest heard.

Next day, the Cork Examiner reported the tide was fully out, “rendering the place most dangerous”. Due to very strong currents, the Green Hole remains a ‘red flag’ area. The inquest had heard that warning signs had been inappropriately located.

The beach was near deserted, except for a small boy, andthe sisters’ cries for help went unheard at first. An eyewitness recalled them near to each other, trying to swim to safety. Reverend Sheehan, from Doneraile, and Constable Fox became aware and, partly stripping, took to the water, but the women had disappeared. Another priest, Reverend McSwiney, called the men ashore, fearful for their safety. Others ran 400 yards to the town’s quayside. Fisherman James Mangan recovered the bodies with nets. The inquest returned a verdict of accidental death and particularly praised Constable Fox’s bravery.

The sisters were buried in Kilbin graveyard two days later. Lt Kirk walked eight miles behind the coffin, from Kanturk church. Their heartbroken mother, Mary Ellen, died months later.