Lighthouse families' memories
Denise O'Connor
AT the end of an era for the Irish Lighthouse Service, there
comes the realisation that a lifetime of memories for the families
of Lighthouse Keepers has been shut off.
I am the daughter of a Lighthouse Keeper. From a family of seven, I am the only one not to have moved around the coast with my father's job. I was born into a settled household in Howth, Co Dublin but became devoted to the Lighthouse Service, just as the rest of the family did. I listened, fascinated by their stories of lighthouse dwellings and their solitude. My mother told me that once at Wicklow Head she had to tie ropes around the six young children for fear of losing them to the harsh winds.
My father was promoted from Assistant Keeper to Principal Keeper in March 1981 while stationed on Inishtearaght. It was only in 1988 when he was at Hook Head, Co Wexford, that I became involved in the Service. I was intrigued by the splendour of Hook Head. I visited my father very often, climbing up the tower and going in and out of the watch room, getting in everyone's way.
On one side of the Hook there was a tranquil, peaceful, almost mystical feeling. But when the side door, facing south-east, was opened the powerful sounds of the waves crashing against the rocks could be heard. It was almost like two different places separated by something which held them together - the Lighthouse. I will always have these memories with me.
I was fascinated by the history of Hook Head. The lighthouse was built in 1171 and was said to be haunted by the monks that once lived there. This just made my visits more exciting and adventurous.
My father worked one month on and one month off. For the month he was away, I did miss him. But as a teenager, it was sometimes convenient to see him go for a while! I was proud of my father for the dedication and respect he held for the Lighthouse Service. He admired himself as a Lighthouse Keeper and I admired him for that. I myself hold the Service on a pedestal and hope to pass these feelings to my own children.
I always had great admiration for my father's fellow Lightkeepers. How annoying I must have been as I scuttled in and out of their living quarters.
My father retired on the 31st August 1996. The Baily Lighthouse was his last station. As we live in Howth, the Baily Lighthouse was still part of my life after he retired.
But 24th March 1997, the day of the automation of the Baily Lighthouse, was more than just the end of an era for the Irish Lighthouse Service. It was the end of unforgettable times spent at lighthouses. They are such unique, beautiful places. I am lucky to have had the opportunity to spend so much of my life enjoying them. I am just sorry I cannot be part of the Irish Lighthouse Service all over again.
I am the daughter of a Lighthouse Keeper. From a family of seven, I am the only one not to have moved around the coast with my father's job. I was born into a settled household in Howth, Co Dublin but became devoted to the Lighthouse Service, just as the rest of the family did. I listened, fascinated by their stories of lighthouse dwellings and their solitude. My mother told me that once at Wicklow Head she had to tie ropes around the six young children for fear of losing them to the harsh winds.
My father was promoted from Assistant Keeper to Principal Keeper in March 1981 while stationed on Inishtearaght. It was only in 1988 when he was at Hook Head, Co Wexford, that I became involved in the Service. I was intrigued by the splendour of Hook Head. I visited my father very often, climbing up the tower and going in and out of the watch room, getting in everyone's way.
On one side of the Hook there was a tranquil, peaceful, almost mystical feeling. But when the side door, facing south-east, was opened the powerful sounds of the waves crashing against the rocks could be heard. It was almost like two different places separated by something which held them together - the Lighthouse. I will always have these memories with me.
I was fascinated by the history of Hook Head. The lighthouse was built in 1171 and was said to be haunted by the monks that once lived there. This just made my visits more exciting and adventurous.
My father worked one month on and one month off. For the month he was away, I did miss him. But as a teenager, it was sometimes convenient to see him go for a while! I was proud of my father for the dedication and respect he held for the Lighthouse Service. He admired himself as a Lighthouse Keeper and I admired him for that. I myself hold the Service on a pedestal and hope to pass these feelings to my own children.
I always had great admiration for my father's fellow Lightkeepers. How annoying I must have been as I scuttled in and out of their living quarters.
My father retired on the 31st August 1996. The Baily Lighthouse was his last station. As we live in Howth, the Baily Lighthouse was still part of my life after he retired.
But 24th March 1997, the day of the automation of the Baily Lighthouse, was more than just the end of an era for the Irish Lighthouse Service. It was the end of unforgettable times spent at lighthouses. They are such unique, beautiful places. I am lucky to have had the opportunity to spend so much of my life enjoying them. I am just sorry I cannot be part of the Irish Lighthouse Service all over again.