Beara Mourns for one of it's finest Sons

On Wed. evening last, 11th July, the news of a boating accident between the Pontoon and Bere Island, began to filter throughout the area with shock, disbelief and utter devastation.  The Castletownbere Lifeboat was alerted at 8.11 pm that a boat was circling in the bay.  At the same time, craft from the Island also went to the area to see what exactly was the matter.  The dinghy was empty and between all the boats, they guided it to the shore where the engines finally cut out.  Meanwhile, a search of the area began and shortly afterwards, a body was located by one of the boats and recovered by the Lifeboat. It was that of John G. Harrington, from the island who had been on his way home.  He was taken to St. Joseph's Hospital where he was pronounced dead. What happened is and will probably always remain a mystery.  He was traveling on his own at the time of the accident.

John G. was the owner of Lawrence Cove Marina, a project he and his wife Phil started four years ago which was growing ever since. It was bringing renewed prosperity to Bere Island, the place that was nearest and dearest to him. He added to the Marina each year and had even further plans for the future development of the venture that was flourishing.  He also ran a work-boat called the "Wyndup" which was also very successful and gave spin off employment to the area.   Prior to that he was Manager of Roancarrig Seafarms, a salmon farm in Bantry Bay, which was his brain-child.  He had done the research, got the backing of the ESB who operated it with him before selling it on. It is now owned by Beara Atlantic Salmon and is presently one of the major sources of employment in the area.  For 21 years prior to that he worked as Manager of Carey Tools Ltd., Cork.  During these years, his expertise in his job resulted in him making many a contact.  However, his love was Bere Island and he purchased a house there, renovated it and moved back with his wife Phil and family - son Patrick and daughter Fionnuala.  Since his return, Beara, but especially Bere Island have gained from his brilliance and his vision.  Nothing was an obstacle for him.  He had grit and determination to carry through an idea or project which would ultimately benefit the area.  In 1996, he was the Chairman of the Committee responsible for bringing the Tall Ships to Castletownbere. He was also the current Chairman of the Bere Island GAA Club where he was very active in encouraging and training the game to the youth of the Island.

John G. was a worker who didn't know how to stop.  His mind was always planning ahead and was always on hand to help anyone he could.  He was generous, kind, unselfish, always courteous, an achiever and this was borne out by the hundreds of people who traveled from the length and breadth of Ireland to pay their respect to this fine gentleman - to the Rosary on Friday, the Removal on Saturday and the Mass in Bere Island on Sunday.  

On Saturday, four ferries, the Castletownbere Lifeboat and up to 24 other craft ferried people from Castletownbere, down the bay to Lawrence Cove in Bere Island.  It was a sight that was never before seen, with Motor Yachts from the Marina, fishing trawlers - large and small all joining the cortege.  At the area where John's body was recovered, the flotilla stopped and the Lifeboat Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Sean O'Shea said prayers before a wreath was thrown into the water from the Lifeboat.  On arrival at Lawrence Cove, the coffin was met by a Guard of Honour from the Army who were training on the island.  It was then shouldered from the quay to the entrance to his house, by members of the Bere Island and Beara GAA, fellow Islanders and friends. It then continued by hearse to St. Michael's Church where it was received by Fr. Tim Vaughan and a huge crowd already gathered there.  

Sunday was Munster Football Final day, but the number of people who annually make the journey and didn't was testament of the high regard, John G. Harrington was held in.  Once again, ferries from Castletownbere and the Pontoon, brought hundreds of people to the Requiem Mass, celebrated by Fr. Tim Vaughan and assisted by Rev. Fr. Sean O'Shea and Canon Patrick Sheehan. The Church was filled to capacity and up to 3 times the amount inside the Church prayed outside.  It was indeed a beautiful ceremony and the choir commenced by singing Amazing Grace, which prickled many an eye there.  Gifts were presented by Gerard Batt O'Sullivan, Eugene Glendon and Mike K. O'Sullvan, close friends of John G.  His brother Michael, spoke to the congregation at the end of the Mass and outlined the man that was John G.  His final words - taken from the poem 'An tOileánach'  "Ni bheidh a leithéid ann arís" just summed up what everyone there was feeling.  At the graveside, the Tall Ships song was played after he was laid to rest.

John G. touched everyone he met and will be fondly remembered and sadly missed, but especially by his wife Phil, son Patrick and daughter Fionnuala.  Also by his father Pat, who is 92 years of age, his brothers Paddy, Peter and Michael, his sisters, Maeve, Deirdre, Rosarie and Nuala, his relations and his very large circle of friends. Sincere condolences is extended to you all.

 From a personal note, it was a privilege to have known and worked with him and I will miss him dearly.  Beara and especially Bere Island have suffered a huge loss as he had so much more to offer.