Edmond

Thousands of Irish families immigrated to North America in the middle of the 19th century in an effort to flee the poverty and disease that were made worse by a widespread failure of the potato crop. Following this migration, so-called "coffin ships" that were crowded and unhygienic, not to mention subject to the sea's ferocious ferocity, left Ireland. The unlucky passengers of the Edmond would only experience worsening circumstances.

The 399-ton barque, carrying 195 passengers, sailed down the Shannon estuary toward New York City on November 18, 1850. The ship had only traveled 30 miles when it was suddenly hit by a violent storm that broke two of its masts. 98 people, mostly women and children, died when the Edmond, helpless against the fierce wind, drifted back towards the sharp rocks around Kilkee Bay.