tony h
RootsChat Veteran
Posts: 569
Dad
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About Walsh, Thomas (Lannigan), Captain
Capt Thomas Walsh known as "Lannigan" by everyone. Born in 3 William Street, Wexford. Often described as "the father of Wexford`s sailors". Son of Captain James Walsh (who died of fever onboard the Barque "Kate" of which he was skipper). Lannigan 1st went to see at the age of thirteen and a half and finished at sea at the age of 68 years. Attained Master Mariners Certificate at the age of 21. His 1st command was he "Rambler". Sailed as Master on fifty three vessels some were: Ellen Kerr, Jane McCall, Yarra Yarra, Agnes Carty, Wave, Clare, Elizabeth Worthington, Mary Agnes. The last vessel he sailed on was the "A. Hastings" a two masted schooner. He never lost a ship. A genial companion he took a keen interest in current affairs and enjoyed excellent health until an accident when he was hit by a vehicle and fractured his leg. He appeared on the front cover of a book called "Songs of the Wexford Coast" in which he contributed a number of shanties. He was the oldest member of the Holy Family Confraternity being a Gold Jubilarian. He had 48 grandchildren and 53 Great Grandchildren. He was the father of 10 sons and three daughters. At one time he was a commander in the Wexford fleet of sailing ships known as the "Galatzmen" whose epic races home from the Black Sea with grain and cargoes were as famous in those days as those of the China clippers. Blackbeared Captain Walsh was the holder of the coveted Square rigged Masters certificate. A hard driving fearless navigator of the days of wooden ships and "iron men"
Does anyone have a copy or access to this book which has a photo of my grt grandfather?
Your help would be appreciated
Tony
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tony h
RootsChat Veteran
Posts: 569
Dad
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Absolutely outstanding Nick 
I'm ever so pleased and can see my Grandad, Mum, myself and my son there. Can't thank you enough. I hope i can repay the favour as i still have family in and around Wexford Town. Lanigan's son Joseph was my grandfather and also a sailing man on sail ships but ended up in the Irish Lights. As well as serving on Tuscar Rock he also had something to do with the Guillemote Lightship that was moored at Wexford for many years but is now landlocked at Kilmore Quay.
I'll speak to my mum and get her to record her Wexford Memories and ask about for photos etc.
Thanks very much again
Tony
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tony h
RootsChat Veteran
Posts: 569
Dad
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Hi Nick,
Thought you might enjoy a picture of aul Lanigan Walsh with a suntan  courtesy of a friend of mine.
Best wishes
Tony
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tony h
RootsChat Veteran
Posts: 569
Dad
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Hi RonnieG, i must admit the likeness struck me as well, but was to shy to ask
Also an extraordinary likeness to my "primary target" over on this link
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,235884.0.html
Do all Irishman of a certain age look like that :)and is that my destiny in a few or two years 
Hi Nick,
Haven't forgot your request for software used. I asked my friend, who achieved this miracle what he did, but after 20 secs my eyes glazed over and a minute later I lost the will to live He's going to e-mail the 4 programmes used and the techniques involved and i will forward it to you - IF your'e interested enough. My brother loved the suntan and colouring but thought blue skies over Wexford was a bit over the top - no soul in some people
Best wishes to all
Tony
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Kevin W
RootsChat Extra
Posts: 6
Census information Crown Copyright, from www.nationalarchives.gov.uk
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Hi Tony
By chance, I came across your story re Capt Lannigan Walsh of Wexford. He was also my great grandfather. My grandfather was James (Bressie) Walsh who came to South Africa around 1899/1902. James Walsh was, obviously, Joe Walsh Snr's brother whom I met together with his wife Lizzie in Wexford in the seventies. I also met Joe Jnr and his wife Jenny.
My name is Kevin Whyte (my mother was Helen Whyte nee Walsh) and I live in Cape Town, South Africa. James Walsh had several children not all of whom survived childhood but my mother was one of 6 who did. So there are many Walsh descendants scattered around this country.
Hope you spot this and I look forward to hearing from you.
Regards
Kevin
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Kevin W
RootsChat Extra
Posts: 6
Census information Crown Copyright, from www.nationalarchives.gov.uk
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Thanks for reply.
James lived at 1 William St Wexford and his family lived there until at least 1980 and possibly later. He left Ireland when he was 18/19.
Kevin
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nickr90
RootsChat Member
Posts: 111
I write extensively on the history of Wexford town
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Here is an excerpt from my article on John Herron in the Wexford Historical Society Journal. Could Bren and Bressie be the same person?
"“Splendid weather, a change from first of week – sea like oil – some sharks hovering around.”
The 26th brought – “ the sunset this evening was splendid, the whole ocean was turned golden.” The following day they sighted land for the first time in 39 days.
When they eventually docked at Mossel Bay he spent the day “fishing mackerel”.
On Saturday October 9th he arrived in East London and “had a ramble around the town on Saturday night – this place is very quiet.”
Next day – “ A splendid day, had a stroll along the beach in the morning, went upriver afternoon. The town is a deserted place on Sunday night.”
From East London they sailed to Durban where he, “had a royal night ashore.”
When they left Durban they “sailed along the Coast of Zululand only half a mile off shore. Saw a lot of natives on beach, saw two whales.”
Back at Durban after a trip to Delago Bay they were taking on cargo again but on Wednesday 17th – “Still raining, not taking any cargo on account of the rain.”
They coasted around the area taking on cargo at East London, Port Elizabeth and Mossel Bay before proceeding toward Cape Town again where they anchored in Table Bay before docking.
The entry for November 17th reads, “Had a letter from Lar Murphy to meet him at 7.30 pm. Met him – first time for 13 years, had a good night.”
The following day he met Bren(?) Walsh – first time in 15 years, “had day off with him and Lar.”
The ship sailed for New York on Saturday November 20th."
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Wexford Town Rossiter Sludds Ratigan Lowney Social History
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Kevin W
RootsChat Extra
Posts: 6
Census information Crown Copyright, from www.nationalarchives.gov.uk
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Hi Nick
You've really given me goose bumps this morning! Lawrence (Laurence)? possibly Lar Murphy was my grandfather's friend who, we believe, came to Cape Town from Wexford at the same time. He was killed some years later when he was knocked down by a train at Kalk Bay a small harbour about 20 miles from Cape Town. Family legend has it that the two of them were on their way to Australia but left the ship in Cape Town. However, your story does not seem to point in this direction. We have never been able to establish the facts about Bressie's leaving Ireland and never returning home so any information we get is like gold. His brother, Joe Snr, whom I met in Wexford in 1977 or '78 was a small baby when Bressie left and I also met Willie Walsh, another brother, who lived in Fisher's Row but they had no information.
Keep well.
Kevin
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tony h
RootsChat Veteran
Posts: 569
Dad
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Hi Kevin,
Great to hear from you But I also have goosebumps now. I was in Wexford a few months after your visit so knew of SA connections. Mum had in the distant past corresponded with Helen and I tried to find out more just ove 3 years ago but unfortunately Mum had misspelt Whyte with a I. The reason for looking for you was that I was going to South Africa for the best part of a month. 3 years ago in August I made the same jorney but in reverse order Cape Town, Mossel Bay, Port Elizabeth, East London, Durban. That gives me a strange feeling.
I received your post on Tuesday but was hurrying off to stay with Mum for a few days so didn't have time to reply. Mum was pleased to read the post, she thought that sometimes Bressie was referred to as Bresty, but wasn't sure. Whilst we were chattiing the Olympics was on quietly in the background. Mum pointed at the screen and said thats one of 'ours'. A Walsh was being interviewed in Beijing. he is Mum's second cousin so presumably yours. I will post you are link to some video of him.
So Walshs popping up all over the place. From Joe Snrs side there about 40 descendants in England and a few in Holland and Italy. Lannigan has at least 6 Grt grt grt grandchildren here and I loose track of the Walshs in Wexford. I've attended a retirement party and golden wedding in Wexford in the last few years and it is like walking into a hall of mirrors. The family resemblance through the generations is startling.
I will send my e-mail address to bring you up to speed with living relatives.
Very best wishes
Tony
Thanks for your help Nick, you certaintly are an authority on all things Wexford.
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Kevin W
RootsChat Extra
Posts: 6
Census information Crown Copyright, from www.nationalarchives.gov.uk
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Hi Tony
Very pleased to hear from you. My e-mail address is kwhyteATkingsley.co.za. I take it that your mother is Joe Snr's daughter. Presume she also lives in Manchester.
Nick if you read this can you please let me know what year you referred to you in your article re John Herron?
Look forward to hearing from you again Tony.
Kevin
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Author
Lanigan_Walsh.doc.jpg