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Maritime novel tells tale of Derry
clipper
24.10.12
A NEW novel capturing a "unique and oft-forgotten"
period of maritime history in the North West
received its launch this week in Fahan.
‘Minnehaha – The Princess and the Maiden City’, was
written by Derry-born author Owen McGonagle and
weaves a tale about one of the vessel's many
trans-Atlantic voyages.
Once famed for its busy quays, lined with forests of
ships’ masts, Derry was the shipping centre of the
North West in the mid 1800s. Thousands of men, women
and children boarded ships like the clipper
Minnehaha, leaving Derry in the hope of escaping the
great hunger and finding a better life in the new
world that was the USA.
Growing up in Derry, the author was familiar with
the Minnehaha through the half-model of the vessel
which adorned his grandparents’ house. The model was
made by Owen’s great grandfather, George White, who
served as crew on the Minnehaha. Today, the author
treasures his great grandfather’s sea chest which
accompanied him on those voyages so long ago. Sadly
the model was destroyed. |
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Willie McCarter, Owen McGonagle and
William McAusland, Commodore Lough Swilly Yacht Club
at the launch of Owen McGonagle's book Minnehaha -
The Princess and the Maiden City. |
George White died at
sea in 1891 but his body was brought home and buried
in Derry’s city cemetery. The author’s regular
childhood visits to the grave ensured his interest
in his ancestor and the famous ship he crewed,
sustained. This book is based on substantial
historical research and that personal connection.
“I hope the tale may be seen as a mark of
recognition of the wonderful heritage embodied in
the era of the Minnehaha,” said Mr McGonagle. The
book was launched by Willie McCarter, former
Chairman of the International Fund for Ireland at
Lough Swilly Yacht Club on Tuesday. It will be on
sale at £8.60 or €10.00 from Easons in Foyleside,
Shipquay Books, Shipquay St, Mac’s, Main Street,
Buncrana, the Maritime Museum in Greencastle or by
email from info@bluewanderer.com. The book is a
quality paperback with colour and black and white
illustrations, it has a glossary of terms and a
sail-plan of the ship, to aid the reader. |
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