McGee's Escape at Tremone Bay 1848 Thomas D'Arcy McGee was actively involved in planning the 1848 rising. He was a member of the 5-man committee or War Council. This group had full responsibility for giving the signal to start the insurrection.
While some members of the council were actively involved in preparations in Wexford, Tipperary and Kilkenny, McGee was arrested at Roundwood in Co. Wicklow on July 14th 1848 for making a "seditious" speech in the chapel grounds. He was accused of urging people to seek a repeal of the Act of Union. He was allowed out on bail but escaped conviction owing to a technicality.
He went to Scotland first to secure recruits, arms and ammunition and to arrange for ships to travel from the Clyde to Sligo Bay. This mission was a failure. He sought refuge in Ballyharry and Kindroyhead, according to Michael Harkin, author of "Inishowen". He had been befriended by Bishop Edward Maginn of Derry who helped him escape dressed as a priest. McGee recorded his deep appreciation of the bishops help in his biography of Maginn several years later. In Ballyharry, he became acquainted with Roger McCann who was a pilot. There was a steady shipping trade between Derry and Philadelphia with ships such as "Mary Anne Henry", the "Arominta", the "Messenger", the "Superior" and the "Colombo" making regular voyages. It is believed that D'Arcy McGee travelled on board the "Shamrock". From Port a'Bhaid (Boat Port), he was ferried out by Roger McCann who knew Tremone Bay, its tides and shipping. He left as a fugitive in disguise, arriving in Philadelphia on October 10th to begin a new life in America and later in Canada, where he played a prominent role in politics.
He visited Ireland in 1865 and at a lecture in Wexford in May of that year he said, "You will remember that I spent the years from 1842 to 1845 in America, and I was a Young Ireland fugitive in 1848. I am not at all ashamed of Young Ireland - why should I ? Politically we were a pack of fools but we were honest in our folly".
Among those who have contributed to our understanding of these events are Marie and Charles McCann of the Greencastle Maritime Museum. They are relatives of Roger McCann, the pilot who assisted McGee.
D'Arcy McGee's contribution to the development of the Confederation of Canada is acknowleged by a memorial stone at Tremone Bay in Inishowen, Co. Donegal. His fame in Canada is recognised by a statue in the grounds of the parliament buildings. His funeral is commemorated by a plaque at St. Patrick's Church, Montreal.
For ten dismal days I remained in this neighbourhood, hoping against hope and endeavouring to make others do the same. The proposals I then made, the result of desperation, I will not repeat, for now, even to myself, I confess they look wild and extravagant. But I felt the whole futurity of shame that awaited us for abandoning the country without a blow. It was well advanced in August before I could persuade myself that no hope remained. The Treasurer of our Scotch Committee came to Ireland expressly to urge me to consult my own safety in flight, in which he was joined by the whole of my local associates. Successively arrived the news of Meagher, Leyne and McManus being taken. Then indeed I knew "all was up". Then, indeed, I felt the force of that I had long before prophesied - "What if we fail?" I resolved not to be taken if I could help it, and acted accordingly. After some personal adventures in Donegal and Derry (with which I will not trouble the reader) I saw the last of the Irish shore early in September, and on the 10th of October reached Philadelphia.
Written by D'Arcy McGee in 1850 after his escape. From Denis Gywnn, "Young Ireland and 1848".
Tremone Bay derives its name from the Irish, ‘Cuan Trá Món’ that translates to ‘Bay and Beach of Món’. It is yet another beautiful anchorage upon the shores of the magnificent Inishowen peninsula that is said to be one of the most scenic parts of Ireland.
The Inishowen name is derived from the Irish, Inis-Eoghain or the ‘Island’ of Eoghan. Eógan mac Néill was the son of High King of Ireland ‘Niall Naoigeallach’, renown in Celtic legend as ‘Niall of the Nine Hostages’. It became the ancient homeland of the tribe that descended from Eógan and hence the name. Interestingly the Eógan name also forms the basis for County Tyrone. It is also derived from the Irish ‘Tír- Eógan’ or the ‘county’ of Eógan.
It is perhaps time that has produce the rugged Inishowen coastline that hosts so many beautiful bays for this is the oldest land mass in the country. It pre-dates the formation of the island by centuries plus, with an overall land area of 884.33 square kilometres, it is also Ireland’s largest peninsula. Indeed, bounded to the north by the Atlantic Ocean, to the east by Lough Foyle, and to the west by Lough Swilly, it is surrounded on three sides by an ocean and is often described as ‘Ireland in miniature’.
In the past Tremone Bay was the location of the Lough Foyle Pilot Station but today there is nothing here save for a beautiful beach the bay with an access road. If you come ashore you can walk up the road to the picturesque village of Carrowmenagh (derived from the Irish: Cheathrú Meánach meaning middle quarter). Here you will see several thatched houses over 200 years old a lime-kiln plus an old forge stone that was used for making iron hoops for carts.
For the boatman Tremone Bay is another convenient and beautiful passage anchorage upon this magnificent peninsula.