John Vincent Rohu - Coastguard
John Vincent joined the coastguard as Boatman in 1838 and was posted to Salcombe, Devon. In 1839 he was posted to Bourne Bottom in Dorset. In 1841 he was sent to Ireland, and apart from his Naval service in the Crimean War (1854-1856), JV spent the rest of his working life in Irish coastguard stations. These included:
1841 Rutland Island, Burtonport, Co Donegal
1844 Inis Cú (Inishcoo), Burtonport, Co Donegal
1847 Mulroy, Co Donegal
1848 Inishbofin, Co Mayo
1856 Elly Bay, Erris, Co Mayo
1858 Keel, Achill, Co Mayo
1859 Achill Beg, Achill, Co Mayo
1860 Malahide, Co Dublin*
*JV requested a transfer to Malahide to enable his children to be educated.
The island of Inis Cú (Inishcoo) is in the Parish of Templecrone, Barony of Boylach, Poorlaw Union of Glenties according to Frederick's Baptismal certificate, signed by Wesleyan missionary, John Smith. Inis Cú lies about half a mile out from Burtonport. The island is 108 acres in extent and had a population of 38 in the year 1841 most of whom were either coastguards or in their employ. The Coastguard Station still stands, was built in 1830 and closed in 1895. There was no school on Inis Cú, but the children attended School on Rutland Island, across a channel some quarter of a mile wide. There was also a Church of Ireland church, a Post Office, a Customs building, houses and a fishery factory on Rutland. The Coastguard were favourably regarded by the general population for the part they played during the Famine of 1845-1850. During that period, the Coastguard ferried food and other supplies to the residents of the neighbouring islands. Their Inspector, R.K. Thompson, was Chairman of the local Committee for Famine Relief.
1841 Rutland Island, Burtonport, Co Donegal
1844 Inis Cú (Inishcoo), Burtonport, Co Donegal
1847 Mulroy, Co Donegal
1848 Inishbofin, Co Mayo
1856 Elly Bay, Erris, Co Mayo
1858 Keel, Achill, Co Mayo
1859 Achill Beg, Achill, Co Mayo
1860 Malahide, Co Dublin*
*JV requested a transfer to Malahide to enable his children to be educated.
The island of Inis Cú (Inishcoo) is in the Parish of Templecrone, Barony of Boylach, Poorlaw Union of Glenties according to Frederick's Baptismal certificate, signed by Wesleyan missionary, John Smith. Inis Cú lies about half a mile out from Burtonport. The island is 108 acres in extent and had a population of 38 in the year 1841 most of whom were either coastguards or in their employ. The Coastguard Station still stands, was built in 1830 and closed in 1895. There was no school on Inis Cú, but the children attended School on Rutland Island, across a channel some quarter of a mile wide. There was also a Church of Ireland church, a Post Office, a Customs building, houses and a fishery factory on Rutland. The Coastguard were favourably regarded by the general population for the part they played during the Famine of 1845-1850. During that period, the Coastguard ferried food and other supplies to the residents of the neighbouring islands. Their Inspector, R.K. Thompson, was Chairman of the local Committee for Famine Relief.
Achill Beg
JV Rohu was posted to Keel, Achill in 1858 and to Achill Beg Island on 10 May 1859. It was there that Alfred Rohu was born on 10 January 1860.
Roy Rohu, Alfred's grandson, visited Achill Beg with his son and grandchildren in August 2011. The coastguard station is no longer standing. To view a video of the visit click here.
Roy Rohu, Alfred's grandson, visited Achill Beg with his son and grandchildren in August 2011. The coastguard station is no longer standing. To view a video of the visit click here.