The historical Sirius Art Centre in Cobh set the perfect scene for the launch of “A Ship of Seven Murders” – a book featuring the true story of madness and murder on board the vessel Mary Russell. One of the most celebrated cases of its time, the story of the Mary Russell was largely forgotten until Kathy Bunney located the carefully-tended grave of a murdered crewman and began putting pen to paper.
What started out as a Social Studies assignment on Folklore soon became much more as Kathy delved deeper. With the support of her lecturer, the intriguing tale caught the interest of Collins Press who helped team Kathy with published author, Alannah Hopkin. The rest as they say is history. The photograph alongside was taken at the book launch while Kathy and Alannah were being photographed by the media.
Kathy has been a Volunteer Broodbitch Holder for Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind for over 8 years now and currently cares for Inis, a lovely yellow Labrador x Golden Retriever. Thanks to Kathy’s commitment, many puppies in her care have become valued guide and assistance dogs to people living with sight loss or autism.
Kathy explains what got her started as a volunteer with us, "As a mother of six boys, I really wanted to teach my sons the value and importance of giving back to society, especially in today's world where a lot of focus is on what you have rather than who you are. Once we agreed that we would foster a dog for Irish Guide Dogs, the only stipulation I had was that it be female. Since then, our involvement with the Irish Guide Dogs has brought untold fulfilment and joy into our lives in the form of Inis."
Seen here at the launch event are some of Kathy’s Irish Guide Dogs friends, from left to right: Heather Healy (Kennels Volunteer), Julie Simpson (Kennels Supervisor), Kathy, Olive O’Sullivan (Dog Welfare Assistant) with her husband Kevin and son, Darren (front).
Kathy continues, "I have found an extended family in the Irish Guide Dog Staff. Every single person that I have come in contact with has been wonderful to deal with and I hope that our association as a family will continue for many years."
The team here at Irish Guide Dogs Dogs for the Blind would like to congratulate Kathy and Alannah on this special achievement and wish them every success for the future.
More about "A Ship of Seven Murders"
Published by: THE COLLINS PRESS
Date: August 2010
Price: €12.99/£11.99
Available: At Easons and other leading book stores
In June 1828, the Mary Russell sailed into Cork Harbour from the West Indies. Seven crewmen lay in the main saloon, brutally and inexplicably murdered by the captain. Daniel O’Connell for the prosecution did not attend Captain Stewart’s trial on 11 August 1828. The absorbing courtroom drama was a sensation as survivors revealed a tale of danger and delusion. But what really happened?
Now the facts of the case are reconstructed against the background of trade between Cork and Cobh and the West Indies. How would today's psychiatrists and courts view Captain Stewart's behaviour? Was his later decline into homicidal mania prompted by guilt, or was mental illness following its natural course? And why has such a strange, intriguing story remained buried for so many years? This bizarre tragedy, the dramatic court case and its place in history and folklore are unravelled in this gripping account.
About the authors
Alannah Hopkin has lived in Kinsale since 1982. A fulltime writer, she also contributes to the Insight and Fodor Guides to Ireland. Her most recent book was Eating Scenery – West Cork, the people & the place (2008).
Kathy Bunney from Cork spent much of her teenage years as a swimmer and lifesaver thus encouraging a love of the sea. Now pursuing social studies at Colaiste Stiofan Noafa, she lives with her sons and partner in Cork.
For further information, photographs, images or interviews with the authors, please contact:
Gillian Hennessy: Tel: 021-4347717 / e-mail: gillian@collinspress.ie
Con Collins: Mob: 087-2513922 / e-mail: con.collins@collinspress.ie
