Monday 30th June 1902.

The following is an excerpt from an article contained in the daily newspaper 'God Save the King'.

'God Save the King' ran from 1899 to 1957, when it went bankrupt and stopped publishing. It was known for its biased views and patriotic articles that included its 'Heroes of the Empire' front pages and being the newspaper with the largest catalogue of articles and coverage of the war.

During this period, 'God save the King' became the top-selling newspaper throughout the British empire.

"-

Mysterious disappearance – fishermen still missing.

The strange disappearance of fishermen off the coast of Connaught has brought the fishing community of the city of Galway into disarray, with many mourning the disappearance and others questioning the whereabouts of their loved ones. The city, in recent days, has seen several fishing vessels disappear under suspicious circumstances.

Over 50 men have been recorded thus far to have not returned back to shore, 25 of whom come from the city itself, while the others are from villages in the nearby area.

…

The lack of concern for the missing men has given a rise in anti-government opinions for the city, leading to a larger police force being deployed in the area as well as the local militias being held on standby.

The Earl Cadogan, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, has made no comment on such matters as of yet though it is likely an official statement will be made before the end of this week, as an appeal to the House of Lords is likely to occur.

God Save the King.

-"

At this point no one knew the significance of these disappearances, the unknown fates of over 50 men being the catalyst to a war that would last over 50 years and claim the lives of countless individuals.

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The following is a letter from Daisy Murphey nee O'Connor to her father, who lived in the town of Westport during the time of the disappearances – she was the sister to one of the men who had vanished during this period. She was 17 and was lucky enough to have attended school and was able to read and write.

Why she was away from home is unknown, though likely moved away due to marriage.

"Dearest Father,

My heart aches to learn of the disappearance of brother Jack, and I can only imagine the pain you and mother are going through.

I pray to God every night that his boat safely returns to shore with him and his crew.

…

This truly has felt like a nightmare that I cannot wake from.

…

Ted and I have decided that if the baby is a boy, we are to call him Jack.

…

I miss you all so dearly,

Yours kindly,

Daisy."