Folklore
The Schooner Elizabeth
In October 1827, the schooner Elizabeth sank off Duffcarrick Head, north of Courtown with the loss of all twenty-nine hands. The ship was out of Milford in Pembrokeshire and its captain William Griffiths was a native of Fishguard. His body was interred in Wexford soil in Prospect cemetery near Ballymoney. It is not known if the bodies of the other crew members were recovered.
A fine headstone can still be seen to this day with the inscription below.
“Here lie the remains of William Griffiths of Fishguard, Pembrokeshire, S. Wales late master of the skooner Elizabeth of Milford, who closed his earthly voyage with all the crew on the 28th Oct. 1827 Aged 35 years.
From many storms and dangers the Lord delivered me
Through Neptune’s waves and Boreas from all he set me free.
But at a rock nigh here I lost my tender breath
In high rough waves and breaking seas I suffered pangs of Death.”
Sources:
The Schools Collection, Vol. 0888, pp.120-1
Available Online at:
www.duchas.ie
Accessed November 21st 2019
North Wexford Historical Society: Headstone Recordings
Available Online At:
www.northwexfordhistoricalsociety.com
Accessed November 21st 201
