Iniscealtra National School
Mountshannon Co. Clare
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On Sunday December 1st 1946 a barge transporting Guinness from Dublin to Limerick was making its way south through Lough Derg on the River Shannon. The vessel, the 45M, was being towed by a tug boat the St. James. The voyage was continuing despite stormy conditions. The boats were off Parker's Point, one of the deepest sections of the lake, when strong waves pulled the 45M under. There were 4 people on board, two of whom were lost.
As the 45 M settled on the bed of the lake, the wooden Guinness barrels were loosened and one by one they began to pop to the surface. The strong southerly wind blew them towards the northern shore of the lake which was the parish of Mountshannon/Whitegate. Despite the tragic circumstances, the drinking men of the parish could hardly believe their luck as seemingly out of nowhere, dozens of barrels of their favourite brew were washed ashore. Those who had land on the foreshore were able to provide themselves, their friends and their neighbours with ample supplies of 'porter' for several months. According to those who remember the event, very little business took place in the local pubs until the 'windfall' had all been consumed. The precious drink was brought around the parish by the bucketful and the tellings suggest that is was generously shared out.
As time went by the Guinness dried up, the Guinness company purchased back the barrels and the locals returned to the pub. For twenty nine years the 45M lay at the bottom of Lough Derg. In 1975 a group of enthusiasts set about raising the barge and this they succeeded in doing. The vessel was in excellent condition, so much so that it was decided to restore it rather than convert it. This was done and the 45M has been sailing the inland waters again over the past twenty five years.