Titanic Memorial

The Titanic Memorial (also known as the James Farrell Titanic Memorial) in Ennybegs, Killoe, is a striking monument to the area's connection with the Titanic disaster. It was unveiled on the centenary of the tragic sinking.

The monument’s centrepiece is its anchor, donated by Belfast Harbour Commissioners. Behind the anchor stands a cross marking the International Eucharistic Congress, which was held in Dublin in 2012. This congress is a significant event in the Catholic Church, promoting the understanding and reverence of the Eucharist. The inscribed stone on the right of the anchor, as you face the monument, came from the ruin of the Farrell home in Clonee.

James Farrell

The memorial is dedicated to James Farrell of Clonee, who showed great bravery before in helping to save others before losing his life on the Titanic.

Born in 1885, James Farrell was the third of 12 children. As was usual at the time, the family had a small farm. Four of his siblings immigrated to the USA.

Farrell was one of three young people from Killoe parish who sailed on the Titanic. The other two Killoe natives on board were Katie Mullen and Katie Gilnagh, his neighbours from the townland of Rhyne.

Farrell tragically lost his life on the Titanic, but not before saving the lives of Mullen and Gilnagh. Farrell also led others to safety, including the Murphy sisters from nearby Aughnacliffe. 

Farrell, Mullen and Gilnagh were among 14 Longford passengers on the Titanic, five of whom lost their lives.

As the Killoe women were being lowered in a lifeboat, James threw his cap to Kate Gilnagh and said, ‘Goodbye forever’. His body was later recovered and buried at sea. 

James’s courage was recounted in Walter Lord’s book, A Night to Remember. He was also a character in the 1958 film of the same name.