Text and photo by Mike Hackett Youghal
The late
Mike O'Brien. sailor and fisherman, of Grattan Street, made a special request
last November that a model of the famous schooner 'Kathleen and May', which he
had in his living room, be entrusted to the local Youghal Credit Union after
his passing. Mike was then ninety years of age and not in the best of
health. Sadly he passed away two months later -- the
following January 2012. His family and a few good friends then set about
granting his wish. It was agreed with the Credit Union that they would
accept the entrustment and display the model in a public place on their
premises.
So on Monday evening May 28th, in the presence of a large gathering of friends,
sailors and fisherman, the large model in a glass case was handed over by
Mike's brothers, Justin and Jacky at the Credit Union premises. The
Chairperson, Mary O'Brien told of how the committee were delighted to house the
iconic model and the awareness of our maritime history that it would bring to
all viewing it.
Then Mary Cotter, a niece of Mike, mentioned the
happiness that the event brought to the O'Brien family as they saw Mike's wish
reach fruition. Frank Mills paid tribute to the late Mike and told of how
he had come into possession of the model. About thirty years ago, it
was made in Gloucester by Tommy Jewel, owner and captain of the vessel, before
being sent over the Irish Sea in a yacht to Youghal where it was presented to
Mike. Mike and Captain Jewel had sailed in it together in the 1950s and
60s. Mike Hackett then spoke on behalf of all Mike's other friends
present in paying tribute by mentioning how helpful Mike had been where the
research of maritime history was concerned. He was most knowledgeable and
experienced, and a lot of the recorded history of the port of Youghal is thanks
to him.
In selecting the Credit Union building, he was very wise: it is located on the
quayside; within a hundred-yards of the tourist office; just across the
road from Mike's house; and has tremendous business and footfall so that many
many people will see it every day.
And lastly: as Queen Elizabeth of England celebrated the 60th anniversary
of her coronation, she is to sail down the Thames in the royal yacht escorted
by forty-seven tall-ships -- and the 'Kathleen and May' will be one
of them. Then the schooner will be bound for Liverpool where she will
join the other famous schooner 'De Wadden' at the Maritime Museum on
Merseyside.
