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06 Sept 2025
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06 Sept 2025
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Sculptor Ronan Crehan's monument in memory of Gerard Byrne and Michael Cannon
A memorial has been erected in Blacksod, Co Mayo to remember two Killybegs fishermen who tragically drowned there 44 years ago this week.
Gerard Byrne (22) and Mickey Cannon (28) lost their lives on December 16, 1978, as they attempted to return to their anchored trawler the “Marie Avril”. The pair were well-known friends and neighbours from Conlin Road in the fishing port.
The monument was erected last week in the memorial garden beside Blacksod pier on behalf of the Byrne and Cannon families by Gerard Byrne’s brothers Kevin and Jimmy, Michael Cannon’s son Mike and sculptor Ronan Crehan.
Sculptor Ronan Crehan, Mike Cannon and Jimmy Byrne at the memorial for Gerard Byrne and Michael Cannon in Blacksod, Co Mayo
It will be officially blessed on Friday to mark the 44th anniversary of the tragedy, followed by mass at St. Mary of the Visitation Church, Killybegs that evening at 7pm.
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