Southern Star: 26 November 1938
Lislevane sea-captain: Impressive Scenes at Funeral in China
Native People in Tears
The unwonted sight of a large body of Chinese in tears at a European’s funeral was witnessed in Hong Kong towards the end of last September. The occasion was the obsequies of Captain Michael McCarthy, Skipper of a South China river steamer, who was born at Butlerstown, Lislevane. A people’s gratitude for unfailing kindness, lavish generosity and practical interest in their spiritual and temporal welfare was the impelling motive in this impressive tribute.
'Pekin' an example Chinese Paddlesteamer from the period
A Generous Benefactor
Captain McCarthy was a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. McCarthy, Ballymacredmond, Butlerstown. Some of the family went to America and two of his brothers, Messrs. Patrick and Timothy McCarthy, lost their lives in the Great War. A sister, Mrs. Hodnett, Clonakilty, is also dead. Another brother, Mr. John McCarthy, and his sister, Miss Kate McCarthy, reside in the old home at Ballymacredmond.
Exemplary Life
An exemplary Catholic, Captain McCarthy had been for twenty-five years a familiar figure on coastal and river steamers in South China and for the past ten years had been Captain of the “Kong Ning”, plying the West River.
All the missionaries who travelled on the river knew him, for he carried a complete Mass outfit which he put at the disposal of every priest and himself served Mass when free.
At every stop on the river the poor people who live on the sampans came to tell him their troubles. He always brought liberal supplies of medicines for the usual ailments and showed a personal interest in those who came to him.
Friend of the Poor
He adopted many of the boat children, both boys and girls, and had them educated at the various Hong Kong schools. Whenever he reached Hong Kong he spent almost all his time with his protégés and was constantly thinking out plans for their welfare.
Many of these people were at his graveside weeping, but there were many other poor folk, mostly servants and working women whom, unknown to anyone, he had befriended.
Captain McCarthy lived frugally, spending practically nothing on himself, but giving away generously everything that he had. His end came suddenly as a result of a heart seizure.
Note
Courtmacsherry & Barryroe History Group would welcome any additional information on Captain Michael McCarthy, his brothers Patrick and Timothy McCarthy who were killed in service in World War one and the other named members of the family, John McCarthy, Kate McCarthy and the sister whose married name was Mrs. Hodnett