Clarke presses for memorial for 1843 Newcastle fishing disaster
Mourne’s Sinn Féin Councillor Willie Clarke has proposed a motion at the full council meeting to create a memorial garden to remember the victims from the 1843 Newcastle fishing disaster to recognise the loss of 73 fishermen who tragically died in the greatest disaster to impact the County Down coastal community.
Cllr Clarke said: “I proposed that Newry Mourne and Down Council and the Newcastle Harbour Heritage Association and the local community work together to create a memorial Garden at the Harbour area Newcastle, to honour the 73 men from the Newcastle 1843 fishing disaster and numerous other loss of life at sea from the locality.
“I would like to pay tribute to the Newcastle Harbour Heritage Association for organising an event on Friday 13thJanuary to commemorate the 180th anniversary, a plaque will be unveiled remembering the 73 who lost their lives.
The Notice of Motion received from Councillor Clarke says: “This Council acknowledges that this month (January) is the 180th Anniversary of the Newcastle fishing disaster in which 73 fishermen lost their lives.
“This Council in partnership with The Harbour Heritage Association, and the harbour community should install a memorial garden as a permanent and fitting tribute to those who lost their lives in the 1843 tragedy as well as all those who have lost their lives through the dangerous occupation of fishing”.
The motion has been deferred to the Good Relations Committee for further discussion.
