Moyne Quay Disaster Commemoration 2019

On the 22nd of September 2019 we came together to unveil a plaque to commemorate the Moyne Quay disaster.

This disaster happened on the 15th August 1893. Moyne Quay used to be west of Moneypoint. A group of young people were returning to Tarbert on Maurice Murphy’s boat after a days outing in Kilkee. A local man Michael McDonnell, who lived by the quay, was not happy with the condition of the boat and offered to take them across on his own hooker but they declined his offer.

Murphy’s boat left Moyne quay around 7pm for the one and a half hours journey. It is understood that they had practically reached Tarbert, as their voices were heard on shore, but unfortunately they never made it. What exactly happened no one can say, its assumed freak conditions overturned the boat and tragically all 18 drowned.

We were once again blessed with the weather for our Commemoration and we had a wonderful afternoon. Our community showed up in great numbers and support. A special thanks went to anyone who participated in the Commemoration and to our wonderful musicians and singers who really added to the ceremony. Shannon Ferries were unbelievably accommodating and it was lovely to get the hooter sounded as a salute. It was also wonderful to see our local RNLI crew call out to remind us of the important role they play to keep us safe on the water. It was wonderful that visitors travelled from across the river and further afield to join us.