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Irish Sycamore fire 1965 Photos and cuttings from Kieran O' Connell
Newspaper reports from the time. Fire Sweeps
Through Irish Sycamore in New Orleans IRISHMEN DlE
IN SHIP BLAZE Cork And Limerick Victims FOUR Irishmen three from
Cork, one from Limerick died in a fire which raced through the upper deck of the
cargo ship Irish Sycamore (10,500 gross tons) in New Orleans yesterday. The
vessel, owned by Irish Shipping Ltd., and registered in Dublin, was tied up at a
public commodities dock on the Mississippi River. The cause of the fire was not
determined. The dead were named as:
Patrick Cowhey (44), a member of the engine room staff. whose wife, Noreen lives
at Gardiner's Hill, St, Luke's. Cork; Thomas Ring (36), ordinary seaman, whose
mother lives at Sarsfield Terrace. Youghal, Co. Cork; Michael Walsh (21 )
deckhand, whose mother lives at Claughaun Avenue, Garryowen.. Limerick, and
William Gaule, able seaman, a native of Youghal with an address at 34 Kenilworth
Court. Curson Crescent, London.
N.W.10 survived by his parents, None of the remainder of
the crew of about 40 was injured. Captain Padraig O'Shea, the
ship's master who resides in Castleknock. Co. Dublin contacted the Company's Dublin
headquarters yesterday afternoon. He said that the five was discovered in the
crews' quarters about 4 a.m. local time 01 a.m. Irish time). He believed that
the men were overcome by fumes. One report said their
was an explosion. The blaze was put out by harbour city and Coast Guard The ship which left Dublin
last March had arrived at the Mississippi River port on Thursday with a load of
steel products from Japan. It had been due to depart today. Many of the victims
shipmates stood on the smoldering deck with tears in their eyes as a Catholic
chaplain administered last rites. SMELLED SMOKE The fire was first reported
about 4 a.m. One of the first to
spot it was Michael Murphy(29), a seaman. He said he smelled smoke. then saw it
drifting through his sleeping quarters. He began shouting to his
shipmates and' set off the ship's alarm system. He was joined by a 22 year-old
junior engineer, identified only as K. Edwards of Dublin "I was
asleep in the engineer's quarters," Edward’s said, "I saw the smoke
and I jumped up and started waking up the lads." He ran on deck to escape
the thick smoke, then decided to go below again to see if any of his shipmates
remained asleep but clouds of smoke forced him back. Dennis Kirk (18) apprentice Seaman from Clare, was on cargo watch. He saw smoke seeping
from a door to the steward's alleyway just as the fire alarm sounded. THE VICTIMS The late Mr. Patrick Cowhey
of 12 Gardiner’s hill St.Lukes Cork was
aged 44 Years, and the father of four young children, the eldest at whom is 16
years and the youngest eight years. They are Pat (16), Michael (15). Marie
(11) Cathleen (8). Mr Cowhey, who joined the
Irish Sycamore in March last, when she sailed from Rushbrook, Mr. T. P. Ring (Jnr.) (26).
of 68 Sarsfield Terrace Youghal, was the second son of Mr. and Mrs. P. Ring. He
joined the Irish Sycamore on 'March 10 Iast and although he had been to sea
before this was his first long voyage and he was, expected home in December. He
was single and is survived by his parents, three brothers and four sisters. The late Mr. Ring's sisters
are Mrs. Margaret O’Connell, of Dominic Collins Place. Youghal, Co. Cork; Mrs.
Kathleen Bulman. also of Dominic Collins Place. Youghal: Mrs. Linda Butler. who
lives with the family and Miss Teresa Ring
His brothers are Messrs. Patrick, Joseph and Sean Ring. William Gaule, aged about
27 years is survived by his parents. both of whom reside in London. He left
Youghal almost seven years ago, and was a frequent visitor to his home town. ~~~ Bodies Of Ship Blaze
Victims Brought Home T HE bodies of the four
crewmen who lost their lives in a fire on board the Irish Sycamore at New
Orleans on July 23 last arrived in Dublin last night. AT HALF MAST The remains were put on
board at. Norfolk, Virginia, and the Maple's flags flew at half mast on the
journey to Dublin, Requiem Mass was celebrated
at the Church of St. Laurence O'Toole, Seville Place, by Rev, D. D. McCarthy,
C.C., who also received the remains on the quayside. The Taoiseach was
represented by his aide-de-camp Comdt. J. O'Brien. Also present were Mr. P. H.
Greer, Chairman, Irish Shipping Ltd.; Mr. S. McKenzie, Mr.N.Griffin, Mr., G.
Jones and Mr. F, Robbins (directors); Mr. R J. O’Halloran, Assistant General
Manager and Mr. P. P. English, secretary of the company; Mr. D. O'Riordan,
representing the Minister for Transport and Power', Capt. T, P. McKenna,
Director of the Irish Naval Service; Mr. J. Fogarty, Irish Manager of Marconi;
Mr. W. H. Waggott, representing Lloyds Register of Shipping; Mr. W.J. Stacey
General Secretary of the Seamen s Union of Ireland; Mr. J. Dunne, General
Secretary of the Marine, Port and General Workers Union. SHIPS' MASTERS The attendance also
included: Capt. P. O'Shea. master of the Irish Sycamore and other officers of
the vessel; Capt. M. D. Langran, master of the lrish Maple; Capt. M. J. O'Dwyer,
master of the Irish Pine: Capt. T. H.P.McCormack, President,, and Comdt. H.
R.O'BrIen, Vice-President of the Organization of National Ex. Servicemen. Photos and cuttings from Kieran O' Connell
Newspaper reports from the time.
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