The Dundalk Bay Tragedy of 1936.

The Old Dundalk Society is delighted to announce the third of its Spring lectures series of the 2025 season. The lecture is entitled The Dundalk Bay Tragedy of 1936.  The Lecture will take place in the Spirit Store, George’s Quay, Dundalk (Note Venue) on Thursday 1^st May commencing at 7.30 pm. (Sharp). The event will recall the tragic loss of James Woods and John Lamb Dundalk Harbour Pilots, who lost their lives in Dundalk Bay. James and John were residents of Quay Street, Dundalk, and along with fellow Pilots Arthur Hughes and John Callan were contacted by the Dundalk Harbour Commissioners on Monday afternoon,10th February 1936 to light the river lamps in Dundalk Bay. The pilots set out in mid-afternoon from Dundalk Harbour despite the stormy conditions prevailing at the time. As the evening progressed, the storm escalated, resulting in Pilots Woods and Lamb losing their lives during the performance of their duties. On their deaths Pilots Woods and Lamb left 2 widows, and 15 young children behind. The Lecture will examine the tragedy, and its aftermath. The Lecture will be presented by Frank O’Callaghan, a member of the Old Dundalk Society, with presentations from Barry McCourt, a Grandson of John Lamb, Madeleine Carroll, a Granddaughter of James Woods, Sarah Murphy, a Great Granddaughter of James Woods and former Harbour Pilot and local maritime historian Charlie McCarthy.  To avoid disappointment, patrons are advised to come early, as there is limited capacity available at the lecture venue.