I am trying to track down the family of Michael Joseph O’Loughlin who were resident in Camolin Village, until the mid 1930’s.
Michael J. was the Radio Officer and hero of sea disaster as he went down on the S.S. Vestris on the 12 Nov 1928. Newspaper reports state that Mr. O’Loughlin was able to carry on communicating for three hours on his main installation, and then to continue communication with his emergency set until the ship was abandoned. He remained in his cabin sending messages while the ship went down.
Michael’s father also Michael was born in 1861 in Galway. After leaving school he joined the Royal Irish Constabulary (R.I.C). On the 25th Feb 1887 he married Frances Mary Meagher, born on 2nd Mar 1871 in Eglish, Parsonstown and daughter of Joseph Meagher and Sarah McDermot, of Parsonstown, Birr, Co. Offaly. Together they had six children, Michael Joseph b 1899, Bernard b1900, Francis b 1901, John b1904, Dermot b1906 and Mary Bridget 1908. All six children attended Camolin N.S.. Michael retired on pension in 1909, and shortly afterwards was appointed Sub-postmaster in Camolin
From the 1901 Census of Ireland the O’Loughlin family were residents of House No. 2 Knockbaun (Coolgreany). The head of the house is Michael an R.I.C. Constable aged 38 from Galway. He was married to Frances from Offaly aged 30. Present also were two sons Michael Joseph. aged 2 and Bernard aged 1; also present is Domestic Servant, Mary Whelan aged 13.
By 1911, the O’Loughlins were now living in Camolin, the census shows them living at No. 11 Camolin Town, and occupation listed as ‘Sub-Postmaster’ They have six children, Michael J, 12; Bernard 11; Francis 9; John 6; Dermot 5 and Mary B. 2..
The O’Loughlins remained as Postmaster in Camolin into the Mid 1930’s and on their retirement moved to Dublin. Frances O’Loughling died on 31st Aug 1943 in 28 Mountshannon Rd, Rialto; Dublin aged 72, and was interred in St. Gabriel's Cemetery, Arklow with her mother Sarah Meagher. Michael died on 1st Jan 1945 at 28 Mountshannon Rd., aged 84 and is also interred in St. Gabriel's Cemetery, Arklow. Mary Bridget O’Loughlin is listed as present at the death of both her Parents.
Michael Joseph’s brother Bernard joined the Garda Siochana and at the time of his marriage he was stationed at Phoenix Park. He married Charlott Cahill born Nenagh, Co. Tipperary), on 20th Nov 1934 in the Church of the Holy Family, Aughrim St. Dublin.
There is an O’Loughlin memorial in St. Gabriel's Cemetery, Arklow, bearing the following inscription
“In loving memory of Sarah Meagher who died at Coolgreany, 4th June 1905 aged 66 years R.I.P. Erected by her daughter Frances O’Loughlin.
Also Michael Joseph O’Loughlin, Chief Radio Officer S.S. Vestris who lost his life at sea 12th November 1928, in his 30th year. May he rest in peace.
On the base: The above named Frances O’Loughlin died 31st Aug. 1943, also her husband Michael O’Loughlin who died 1st January 1945.”
Any information welcome
Regards
John G.