Andrew Keelty

Boyle Poor Law Union formally declared

<p>The Irish Poor Law Act of 1838 divided Ireland into poor law unions (in which paupers would receive poor relief). A union was named after the town on which it was centred (where its workhouse was located) and the "union" boundaries were unrelated to those of the civil parishes ( and crossed county boundaries in many cases). Prior to this date, poor relief was administered by parish and these records were kept in the Church of Ireland Vestry Books (held locally).</p>

1839-08-20 12:00:00

The Carricks shipwrecked en route to Canada

<p>On May 18, 1847, the brig "Carricks of Whitehaven" a famine coffin ship (carrying tenants from Lord Palmerston’s estates in the northwest of Ireland) sunk after striking a reef near Cap-des-Rosiers, Canada. Of the 173 passengers on board - all fleeing the Great Irish Famine - only 48 reached the shore alive.</p>

1847-05-18 12:00:00

Cholera in Sligo

<p>Mayo Constitution - Monday 20 August 1832</p>

1832-08-20 12:00:00

Cholera hysteria from Croghan to Boyle

<p>In February 1832, a devastating outbreak of Asiatic Cholera (which had left millions dead across the trade route to England) finally reached Ireland. This was a disease that had fatal consequences in a matter of a few hours. There were reports of people driven mad with fear of the disease. Thus began the mass hysteria that lead to the "Day of the Straws"...</p>

1832-06-16 12:00:00