The islands of Ireland: Inishark - The island of hardship

On October 20, 1960, the remaining inhabitants of one of Ireland’s most westerly islands stood on the pier and said goodbye to an entire way of life.

Rusting machinery on the island. Picture: Dan MacCarthy

On October 20, 1960, the remaining inhabitants of one of Ireland’s most westerly islands stood on the pier and said goodbye to an entire way of life, writes Dan MacCarthy.

It was the end of the road on Inishark for the minuscule population of 24 on the County Galway island. The death of a young man from appendicitis was the catalyst and the islanders pleaded with the Government to take them off the island.