For well over a century, the waters of the Newry Canal have witnessed both tragedy and triumph. As the Newry and Mourne Museum prepares to unveil its upcoming exhibition on the Port of Newry and its associated waterways, we reflect on some remarkable stories of heroism and misadventure drawn from local archives and newspapers.
An early recorded rescue dates back to 27 July 1908, as reported in the Newry Telegraph. A fifteen-year-old boy, Michael McParland, found himself in grave danger while swimming near the first lock gates in the Albert Basin. A passer-by, John Copeland, saw the boy "sinking for the second time" and immediately dived in, pulling him to safety. With help from others who had gathered, McParland was resuscitated and taken to the home of the lockkeeper, Mr. Gilmer Williamson, where he was revived with warm clothing and restoratives.
Just days later, Mr. Williamson and his son Robert rescued another boy, James McCann of Magennis Street, who had fallen into the canal near the same lock gates. The Telegraph noted that this marked the twelfth life Mr. Williamson had saved over 22 years, earning him a well-deserved reputation as a local hero.
In 1912, another dramatic rescue was recorded. Francis McGovern, son of Acting Sergeant McGovern of Erskine Street, was struggling in the canal when two men, Cunningham and Hendren, intervened. Their “courageous and selfless actions,” as described by the Newry Telegraph, undoubtedly saved the young man’s life.
The Frontier Sentinel reported a particularly moving incident in July 1927. A six-year-old boy, John Roberts Langlands from Dungannon, fell into the canal at the junction of Edward Street and Custom House Quay. Hearing the cries of his companions, Mr. F. Cooper, a local banking official and member of the Newry Rowing Club, plunged into the water and rescued the boy just as he was going under for the third time. Cooper’s “prompt and plucky action” was widely praised, with hopes expressed that his bravery would be formally recognised.
In 1932, the Newry Reporter detailed another rescue at the Albert Basin. Richard Hollywood, a boy from Lower North Street, fell into the water while fishing. His companion alerted workers at the nearby Newry Curing Company. Mr. Samuel Donnelly, the foreman, dived in fully clothed despite being a weak swimmer. He reached Hollywood, but both began to struggle. Fortunately, Mr. Bernard Gallagher, a strong swimmer, joined the rescue and helped bring them to safety. Mr. J. McCommack, the company’s engine driver, administered artificial respiration, and Hollywood was later escorted home by Mr. Samuel O’Hare.
A decade later, in the 1940s, two employees of the Northern Ireland Road Transport Board saved a schoolboy who had fallen into the canal near Clanrye Mills. Using a rope attached to their lorry, Mr. Thomas Ferguson of Newtownhamilton and Mr. Fred Jess of Stream Street pulled the boy to safety. Jess, a Boy Scout, administered artificial respiration, and the boy—still wearing his school satchel—was able to return home.
Perhaps one of the most touching rescues was reported by the Frontier Sentinel on 2 September 1950. Kathleen Magennis, aged 14, fell into the canal and was saved by her eight-year-old brother Liam. The children were from Aughantarraghan, and their father, Mr. P.J. Magennis, was a local cattle dealer. Liam’s quick thinking and bravery exemplify that local heroes truly come in all shapes and sizes.
These stories, drawn from the annals of Newry’s newspapers, remind us of the courage and compassion that have long defined the people of this region. In the second part of this series, we will explore a tragic rescue attempt from the 1930s that claimed the lives of two men, including one who died trying to save another.
