Memorial erected in Mayo to remember Killybegs fishermen who drowned in 1978

Sculptor Ronan 's monument in memory of Gerard Byrne and Michael Cannon

placeholder image — Sculptor Ronan 's monument in memory of Gerard Byrne and Michael Cannon

A monument was erected last week in the memorial garden beside Blacksod pier to remember Gerard Byrne and Mickey Cannon, who tragically lost their lives in 1978

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.