Tuskar Rock Lighthouse
04 Sep 2010 Leave a Comment
in Ballask, Beach, Carne, Crossfintan Cottage, Wexford Tags: Lighthouse, Mines, Tuskar, Tuskar Rock Lighthouse, Wexford, World War II
Tuskar Rock is a treacherous group of rocks surmounted by a lighthouse some 7 miles/ 11.3km off shore of Carne
Harbour. It is claimed that this area has probably claimed more ships than any other navigational hazard around the Irish coast. The Lighthouse was designed by George Halpin and first operated mid 1815. In 1993 the lighthouse was converted to automatic operation and the keepers were withdrawn from the station. The lighthouse is still in operation and there are fantastic unobstructed views of the lighthouse from Crossfintan Cottage both from the house itself and the viewing platform outside. The pitch dark of night is illuminated by the Lighthouse light – 4 blasts every 45 seconds. Indeed, the Tuskar Lighthouse beacon can be seen from neighbouring Wales.
There is an interesting Article in the US Times magazine dated 15 December, 1941; entitled “World War: Mine Attacks Lighthouse”. The Article tells the tragic story of the three tenders of Tuskar Rock Lighthouse; Patrick Scanlon, William Cahill and Peter Roddy. A mine was carried by the sea waves into the vicinity of the Lighthouse and made its way to the Rock. The three unfortunate men were stranded on the Rock as the mine gradually approached. The mine exploded on the Rock and the people ashore saw an enormous flash; they thought that the light’s fuel had exploded. A lifeboat set out to the Rock. In the kitchen of Tuskar Lighthouse they found Patrick Scanlon, dying of injuries. William Cahill was discovered under a pile of debris, unhurt. Peter Roddy was found unconscious beside the light. Despite the explosion, the Light continued to shine.
