longéireannach

Gunboat diplomacy!

from National Library of Ireland on The Commons

• 14 older comments, and then…
• Owen J Fitzpatrick said:

  www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXoacp-0sco Built by George Brown of Greenock, her keel was laid down 21 November 1940, launched 6 November 1941, completed 29 April 1942. Ex HMS Borage, handed over to the Naval Service at Davonport on 15 November 1946 was commissioned by Lt Walter Reidy on the same day. Sold to Haulbowline Industries on 2 November 1970 and scrapped at Passage West. www.military.ie/naval-service/history/fleet-history/ Fascinating post as always National Library of Ireland on The Commons.

• Sharon Corbet said:

  One possibility for the date is March 1968, at the time of the Tuskar Rock Crash: Aer Lingus Flight 712, the St Phelim, crashed in the sea near Tuskar Rock on the 28 March 1968 with the loss of all 61 people aboard. None of the Naval Service's ships were available to aid in the recovery of bodies. The only active ship, LE Macha, was in Killybegs, the furthest port from the area of the crash.

• John Spooner said:

  Another possiblility: Derry Journal - Friday 10 August 1951

  An immense crowd was resent at the Killybegs annual regatta. Fine weather favoured this popular fixture and full advantage was taken of the sunshine. The Corvette “Macha” dropped anchor in the harbour early and decorations appeared almost miraculously. Reception party went on board< to welcome the officers and men who were afterwards entertained by the Regatta and Sports Committee.

• John Spooner said:

  The Macha was also at Killybegs on a coastal patrol in January 1954 (but the clothing of the civilians on deck looks particularly unsuitable for January). A football team from the Macha played a local team at Emerald Park, Killibegs, and won by 5 goals to 4. Mr Daniel Campbell was the referee.

• John Spooner said:

  The Macha also visited Killibegs Regatta in August 1954 (Derry Journal - Friday 06 August 1954).