The Derrybeg tragedy, 1880
In 1933 the Derry Journal shed light on the Derrybeg tragedy which occurred in county Donegal in the summer of 1880. Although over fifty years had passed the incident was still recalled in the locality. Five people drowned when a chapel flooded during mass. It was a terrible incident and one the people of Donegal could hardly believe could happen. Here the newspaper reports:
ANNIVERSARY OF MEMORABLE HAPPENING.
The flooding of St. Mary's Chapel, Derrybeg, in 1880, the anniversary of which occurred yesterday, is still vividly remembered by many Gweedore folk. Those who were present at Holy Mass on that memorable day fifty-three years ago, when five persons were drowned, had some terrible experiences to relate. The catastrophe took place following unprecedented rains, which caused a small river which came from the neighbouring mountains to overflow its banks. This river flowed underneath the church, and in consequence of the subterranean passage being unable to carry the huge volume of water the church was soon a veritable reservoir of swirling waters. With characteristic coolness the late Very Rev. Canon MacFadden, who was then parish priest, and who was the celebrant of the Mass, directed the work of rescue being carried on by those fortunately able to swim. The occupants of the galleries were able to render valuable aid, hauling to safety by means of ropes those who would otherwise have perished.
In 1940 when one of those who was present at the incident, died, the 1880 tragedy was again recalled:
The flooding of Derrybeg chapel, Gweedore, in 1880, when several persons lost their lives by drowning, is recalled by the death which took place in England of Mrs. Mary A. M'Gowan, a former resident of the Gweedore district.
On the occasion of the disaster Mrs. M'Gowan, was swept away by the floods, but happened to get entangled in the gateway leading to the church and she was held until succour came sometime later…
For more information search the pages of the Irish Newspaper Archive (www.irishnewsarchive.com)