Munster Express Online

In May 1991 the Asgard under full sail off Brownstown Head revived many memories of a time when sailing ships were a common sight and the sinking two years ago came as a shock to many. It was a sinking feeling of a different nature for a group of Kilkenny racing fans who attended the record breaking meeting at Graun Hill in 1938 and thought they had seen the last unlucky loser flash past the winning post. The travelled to the seafront to sample the amusements, have a snack and refreshments or take the traditional bracing stroll on the promenade prior to the trek home after a mixed day out which should end in an enjoyable fashion. The group from Callan drove their motor car down to the beach and parked about one hundred yards out from the Promenade. They sat in the car admiring the view, blissfully unaware that even though the edge of the tide was still ten yards away, the wheels were steadily sinking into the damp sand. When alerted to the danger by local residents the vehicle couldn’t be moved under its own steam or with some hefty men pushing it. Ropes were then attached to the vehicle to two it back to terra firma but the sand grew wetter with the incoming tide creeping closer to the car and the wheels remained fast as if imbedded in concrete. Time and again the tow ropes snapped under the strain and further attempts had to be abandoned when the tide threatened to immobilise the rescue vehicle. In a short space of time the stricken car was completely submerged. It was eventually salvaged at 10.30pm and taken away for an urgent overhaul and clean out before the salt water could cause permanent damage, but it still couldn’t be made roadworthy until the following day. Fortunately the driver and passengers secured a lift home to Callan after their eventful trip to the seaside.