Scotland memorial plan for Mayo victims of 1937 bothy fire

PLANS are underway to erect a permanent memorial in Scotland to 10 young Mayo islanders who died in a fire in a bothy in Kirkintilloch in 1937.

The tragedy, in the early hours of September 16, 1937, saw 10 boys and young men from Achill, aged from 13 to 23, perish. They had only recently arrived there and were asleep when the fire broke out.

A JustGiving fundraiser to put in a place a lasting memorial in Kirkintilloch for the 10 victims, to preserve their memory for future generations, has gained momentum in recent days.

Colm Heneghan, who is behind the campaign, explained on the page how a few ideas have been discussed around a suitable memorial. When the funding is in place (it was hitting its target last night), it will be further discussed with local councillors and East Dunbartonshire Council.

It is hoped to have the memorial in place for the next anniversary on September 16, 2026.

Anyone with ideas or suggestions can contact Colm on colmheneghan1@gmail.com or via the Kirky Legends Facebook page.

The young people who perished in the fire had been engaged as tattie hokers, and desperate efforts to save them were foiled by the intense heat and flames, which quickly made an inferno of the building.

The victims of the disaster were:

Thomas Cattigan (19), son of John Cattigan, Achill Sound.

Patrick Kilbane (18) and Thomas Kilbane (16), sons of Michael Kilbane, Points, Achill Sound.

John McLaughlin (23) and Martin McLaughlin (16), sons of Michael McLoughlin, Saula.

John Mangan (17), Thomas Mangan (15) and Michael Mangan (13), sons of Anthony Mangan, Pollagh.

Owen Kilbane (16), son of Owen Kilbane, Shraheens.

Patrick McNeela (15), son of Margaret McNeela, Shraheens.