On May 10th, 1943, a stray mine washed ashore in the Rosses of Donegal. What happened next is recounted in this Irish Times piece on a memorial unveiled in 1999:
Many watched the mine from the shore for several hours as it bobbed in the water. When it finally came ashore, they rushed to see what it was, despite warnings to keep clear.
Some climbed on top of it while others banged on it with stones in an attempt to crack its shell, unaware of what lay inside. Without warning, the mine exploded, killing 17 young men ranging in ages from 14 to 34, including three brothers. Two more died in hospital soon afterwards. The explosion was so loud it was heard over 40 miles away in Letterkenny.
Among those who died were two of my grand-uncles.
At the Donegal Heritage blog there is posted a poem by author unknown on the tragedy. I note that it refers to 18 deaths, not 19 (or 17) which I wonder may help with dating it.
Oh weird and wild the wail of woe now borne
Upon the startled night-winds from the west-
Deep gasps of grief and soul-sighs from men torn
By death, grim hideous unbidden guest-
From where great breakers piling on the shore
Awaken eerie echoes o’er the dunes. Fell waves!
Foul, treacherous for-ever more-
While lethal-laden, chanting […]
the rest is at The Mine at Ballymanus 1943 — Donegal Heritage
Séamus Sweeney 