JULY 2004

Hopes Are High That Cannon Will Stay in Inishowen

Inishowen Sub Aqua Club are hoping that a 2.4 metre long cannon discovered recently on the seabed at Kinnego Bay will be housed at the museum at Greencastle. The weapon comes from Le Trinidad Valencera, a Spanish Armada vessel ship wrecked at the bay in the 16th century. The slim barrelled cannon, known as ' Widowmaker ' was discovered by sub aqua club members Daniel McGrory and Richard Crowley in March. Divers from Duchas, the Heritage Service, are surveying the site at Kinnego Bay this week to determine whether or not the cannon can be raised. If it's decided to bring the cannon ashore Inishowen Sub Aqua Club want it to be restored locally and placed on display at the Inishowen Maritime Museum. "The Duchas team are diving to the site of the wreck of Le Trinidad Valencera this week to see whether it will give up any more secrets. They will bring back samples to be analysed and the National Museum will have the final say as regards raising the cannon," said Richard

It's not the first cannon to come from Kinnego Bay wreck, others reside at Museums in Dublin and Derry, but RIchard is hopeful it will be the first from the wreck to go on display at the Greencastle Maritime Museum. "Some of our members are also on the Board of the Inishowen Maritime Museum and I know they will be working to ensure the cannon stays in Inishowen."

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