John Cohalan

John Cohalan owned a small holding in Courtmacsherry before he left for the United States at the height of the famine in 1848.  His wife, Catherine McCarthy, had already died and John Cohalan was accompanied to America by his three young daughters and his son, Timothy, who was twelve years old.

It is worth noting that Catherine McCarthy’s family already had a notable connection with the United States.  She was the daughter of Captain Eugene McCarthy who had served as an aide-de-camp to the Marquis de la Lafayette during the American Revolution.  Eugene McCarthy had returned to Ireland after the Revolution.

The Cohalan family first settled in Pierrepoint in upstate New York but by 1849 they had moved to Middletown, Orange County, a town in the Hudson Valley.  John Cohalan, according to the 1861 Census did not remarry and had begun trading as a grocer.

Timothy Eugene Cohalan

Timothy, son of John Cohalan, became involved in the building trade and also established a very successful glass business.  Timothy Eugene Cohalan died 8 December 1909. The following obituary published in the Southern Star gives a comprehensive outline of his life and career.

Southern Star 1 January 1910

Famous Courtmacsherry Man
His death in America
The late Timothy Eugene Cohalan
Sketch of his Career

Patrick Keohane - Antarctic Explorer 1910-1913

The Polar Expedition with Captain Robert Scott

Patrick Keohane joined the Royal Navy in 1895. at the age of sixteen.  He began his career as a Boy – Third Class , progressed to Ordinary Seaman, then Able Seaman and at the age of twenty-eight was promoted to Chief Petty Officer, the highest rank a non-commissioned man could attain.  Having previously served under Lt. Teddy Evans, who was Scott’s second in command for the Antarctic expedition of 1910 Keohane applied to be included and was successful.

With fellow Corkmen, Robert Forde of Kilmurray, Mortimer McCarthy of Kinsale and Kerryman, Tom Crean of Annascaul, Patrick Keohane formed the backbone of brawn and practical skills without which no expedition could succeed. Carpentry, rope and leather work, dog and pony husbandry, sheer physical strength and endurance were their stock in trade.  These hardy sailors had to rely on superhuman grit and determination, overcome psychological and physical challengers and horrific weather conditions in the world’s most inhospitable environment – the Antarctic.

Patrick Keohane - Antarctic Explorer 1910-1913

Timothy Keohane Coxswain - Courtmacsherry Lifeboat 1901-1924

Timothy Keohane’s Role on 7 May 1915

The Courtmacsherry Lifeboat, Kezia Gwilt, was based at Barry’s Point, several miles from the village of Courtmacsherry.  The crew were drawn from the hamlets, called Barry’s Point and Coolbawn, situated at either side of the beach known as Blind Strand.

The Stephens class self-righting lifeboat Kezia Gwilt was 37.5 feet (11.4 metres) long.  She was powered by 12 oars and sails.  She was stationed at Barry’s Point.  On 7 May 1915, Coxswain Timothy Keohane was on Coastwatch for the British Government on the brow of Barry’s Point. The following is the interview he gave some time after the events of 7 May to The Southern Star.

The Kezia Gwilt - 7 May 1915