Athenry News & Views Spring 2026

Spring 2026

on Galway hurling. He won championship medals Junior in 1909 and Senior in 1911, lining out alongside his brothers Pat and Mike. The Keanes were the backbone of a team remembered for its spirit, strength, and skill. Andy was more than a player, he also served as treasurer of the Club, a testament to his commitment both on and off the field. On November 26, 1911, he took part in Derrydonnell’s victory over Claregalway in Tuam. That day, special trains were laid on to carry supporters from Athenry to the match—a reminder of a time when hurling pride could mobilise whole communities. A Life Lost at Sea Like so many others in steerage, Andy did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. His body was never recovered, or if it was, it was never identified. News of his death cast a deep sadness over Athenry and the GAA community. A memorial Mass drew a large congregation, including county officials, teammates and representatives from clubs across Galway. As one tribute put it, “The departed comrade was dearly loved by his associates in the movement.” Later that year, the Galway County GAA Board presented a portrait of Andy (photographed on opposite page) to his brother Patrick, honouring his dedication to the sport and his place in Andy’s story has continued to inspire. The Tuam Marian Musical Society featured him prominently in their 2010 production Titanic, where his twelve hurleys took centre stage. In 2011, as plans emerged to commemorate Derrydonnell’s championship victories of 1909 and 1911, In her book ‘Derrydonnell” Brid Higgins ensured that Andy, his brothers Pat and Mike would be remembered as central figures in that golden era. His grand-nephew Sean Keane was a member of the next Athenry team to win the County Senior Hurling Championship in 1987. Today, Andy Keane is recalled not only as one of Athenry’s Titanic victims, but as a symbol of youthful ambition, sporting excellence and a life cut short— carrying hurleys, hope and memories of home across the Atlantic. Honora “Nora” Healy: Athenry’s Tragic Survivor of the Titanic The second recorded passenger from Athenry aboard the RMS Titanic was 29-year-old Honora “Nora” Healy, born on February 6, 1883. A native of Greethill, she was one of eight children of Thomas and Mary Healy, growing up alongside her four sisters—Margaret, Mary, Catherine and Ellen—and her two brothers, John and Patrick. Like many young Irish emigrants of the time, Nora set out for a new life in America. She boarded the Titanic at Queenstown as a third-class passenger, travelling on ticket number 370375, purchased for £7 15s. Her Derrydonnell’s proud history. A Legacy That Endures

intended destination was New York City, where she planned to stay with her aunt, Mrs. W. Robinson. But there is no evidence she ever reached her relative’s home. On Lifeboat picked up by Carpathia Nora survived the sinking. She escaped aboard Lifeboat 16 and arrived in New York on April 18, 1912, aboard the rescue ship Carpathia. Fellow passengers recalled her as shy and somewhat fragile even before departure, so much so that locals joked with Athenry man Andy Keane—also on board—that he should “look after Nora,” prompting him, by his own admission, to keep a cautious distance. The trauma of the disaster left deep psychological scars. Upon landing in New York, Nora was admitted to hospital in what was described as a severely nervous and distressed condition—similar to many survivors pulled from the freezing Atlantic during the catastrophe. After several weeks of treatment, she returned to Ireland. Never Recovered from Trauma Back home in Athenry, Nora’s condition failed to improve. She lived for a time with her family in Greethill, but by July 9, 1914, she was admitted to St. Brigid’s Psychiatric Hospital in Ballinasloe. In an era when institutionalisation was often permanent, Nora remained there for the rest of her life. Honora “Nora” Healy died on March 11, 1919, at the age of 36. She was laid to rest in Willmount Cemetery, her remarkable survival overshadowed by a life forever altered by the Titanic tragedy.

Emigrants leaving Scott’s Quay in Cobh..

Lifeboat No 6 similar to the one that rescued Nora Healy and saved her life.

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