Poem

There was a drowning in Donegal in November either 1937 or 1938. Two or three families returning from the Tattie Hocking were crossing from Burtonport to Arranmore Island when their boat capsized in rough seas and 19 people were drowned. One man Patrick Gallagher was saved. He tried desperately to save his father and his brother as they sank beneath the waves.

Round the bales of old Tryconnel hearts
today are sad and sore, thinking of the sad disaster
near the rocks of Arranmore.
19 precious lives have perished, I survived to tell the tale,
which brings tears to many a Ross a Vale.
Sorrow now spreads over the country, thinking of the sad and sore,
who are left behind to mourn round the rock of Arranmore.

Just think of Patrick Gallagher, that brave lad who tried to save
poor father and brother ere they beneath the wave.
On that cold November evening the little craft had left the shore with
these Island lads and lassie for their homes on Arranmore
as she struck the rocks of danger as she crossed over angry wave,
none were near to give assistance,
none were near these folks to save.

Patrick Gallagher

The Tattie Hockers

Wha saw the Tattie Hockers
Wha saw them going awa
Wha saw the Tattie Hockers
Sailen doon the Broomilaw

Some o' them had shoes and stockings
Some o' them had nane atta,
Some of them had shoes and stockings,
Sailen doon the Broomilaw.

Given by Sheila Graham

Back