The Shell Cottage

Today marks the 109th anniversary of the Helen Blake lifeboat tragedy as we remember the nine brave men who gave their lives while trying to rescue the crew of the Mexico schooner that had gone aground on the Keeragh Islands in 1914, as well as one of the Mexico crew members, who later died of exposure during the disaster.

This article from the centenary of the tragedy gives a detailed account of how events unfolded.

'They said the sea became red with the blood of the Fethard men who perished' THURSDAY FEBRUARY 20 marks the centenary of one of the greatest sea rescue operations ever undertaken off the Irish coast, at the Keeragh Islands near Fethard.

There was a slight delay with the celebrations this year, but Kim didn't seem to mind once she finally got her cake.

Another year older, another year bolder. Happy 52nd birthday, Kim. 🎂🎉

Scaffolding up and ready to go!

The first job that faced our thatchers once they had erected their scaffolding on-site, was to remove the tarpaulin covers which we had previously applied to weather proof the damaged thatch.

As exciting as it was to finally see work beginning, we were also a little anxious to see what state the roof was in, having been covered down for so long. Thankfully, nothing too major but we did notice that the ridge had sunken considerably under the weight of the covers and pallets.

Image c/o - Philip Doran & Nikolaj Thuesen