“Memoirs of the MV Plassy”, Inisheer Island (Inis Oírr), Aran Islands, Co Galway, Gareth Wray Photography

This stunning ship named the “Plassey” was a steam trawler built in the late 1940s. Unfortunately on the 8th March 1960, while sailing through Galway Bay carrying a cargo of whiskey, stained glass and yarn, she was caught in a severe storm and ran onto Finnis Rock on Inisheer Island. A group of local Islanders rescued the entire crew from the stricken vessel using a breeches buoy. Several weeks later a second storm washed the ship off the rock and drove her ashore on the island. Wheels, Compasses and various parts of the actual Ship were taken by many locals as souvenirs and reminders of this rare event.

This wreck still lies on the shoreline and has become a local tourist attraction. She is also featured in the opening credits of the television series “Father Ted” as Inisheer is actually “Craggy Island” from which the series is based on.