01 The Granuaile(The Runaway) by Jimmy Lee

Out of work in Dublin but still in possession of my Able Seaman’s ticket I signed on as crew on the Granuaile moored on the river Liffey by O’Connell Bridge. She was part of the fleet that served the light houses around the Irish coast taking provisions and relief lighthouse keepers to there various stations. I had served in the Royal Navy for almost 7 years and considered myself to be an excellent ‘ small boatman’ but had never experienced such ‘stomach churning’ fear when working the Tuscar and Black Rock light houses. I completed several trips on the Granuaile, the Atlanta and the Isolda until I sought the safety of dry land. My admiration for those who served on those ships, and still do, knows no bounds. By the way, the ‘Banjo Man’ was Luke Kelly of The Dubliner’s !