Hello, once again, from Goderich, Ontario

I am writing this a a follow up to an article I sent you in 2009. In July of that year I had taken the opportunity to return home to my beloved Newfoundland. I was able to visit relatives along the Burin Peninsula and in my hometown of Windsor/Grand Falls. I had hoped to travel to Red Island, as it had been a long-held dream of mine to visit the birthplace of my father, Michael Mulrooney, my grandfather Thomas T. Mulrooney, and great grandfather, Stephen Mulrooney. The family (including Anthony, Daniel, Michael and May) had moved from Red Island to Windsor in search of work at the pulp and paper mill. Unfortunately, due to weather, I wasn’t able to make the trip.

In June 2013 I had the opportunity to return, once again, to Burin, thanks to my daughter Patricia and her husband, Bernie Dwyer. Both accompanied me on the trip. While I looked forward to visiting nieces and nephews I was determined to get to Red Island this time. Thanks to my niece, Cecilia Lundrigan and her partner, Randy Powers, we were able to arrange a crossing over to Red Island on the boat of Pius and Alphonse Mulrooney. We all anxiously awaited the day, hoping and praying the weather would cooperate. Of excitement was the prospect of going accompanied by other Mulrooneys and curiosity to see if we were related.

The weather looked grim in the early hours of June 26. We called to confirm our crossing and were told to come ahead. Leaving Burin at 6:30 a.m., we drove through alternating fog and heavy rain to arrive at the Argentia dock at 9 a.m. to the worst of the rain and lightning.

My neice, my daughter, my son-in-law and myself were warmly greeted by the Mulrooney brothers, Pius and Alphonse and were assured the trip was on. We boarded their fishing boat, the Kittiwake, and began our hour and a half crossing through heavy fog to Red Island. Shortly after leaving Argentia the fog lifted and the sun broke through occasionally. Just before reaching our destination, more fog was blowing in but then our beautiful island came into view. What a surprise we had to see cliffs, trees and a lovely red dock. Red Island was much bigger than we had expected – and inhabited!

We disembarked and explored the island for a couple of hours, thrilled to be standing on the soil where my ancestors had stood over one hundred and fifty years ago! There are quite a number of lovely cabins, complete with flush toilets! Even street lights! We were treated to heart warming hospitality, including lunch and tea, in one such cabin belonging to our Captain Pius and his wife. We felt like we had known him and Alphonse for years already. Pius even gave me some cranberries, which I made into a pie once we were back in Burin. Our tour included a search for remaining relics which included the remains of the school, church, store and a hike up the hillside to look at some tombstones. Due to overgrowth and the recent rain we were unable to get to the Mulrooney ones.

Our trip to Red Island was crowned with the beautiful and moving farewell offered by dolphins swimming along each side of the boat, accompanying us on our return to Argentia. This was truly a special day.

We returned to the Lundrigan clan gathered in Fox Cove, waiting to hear about the crossing and to watch the video footage taken by daughter Patricia, for all wanted to join in celebrating our successful journey. It was another special moment for our family: I am the oldest living member of the family of Michael and Irene (nee Hickey) Mulrooney.

I understand that every September 1 the people with cabins on Red Island host a communal gathering where over 100 people join in the celebration. Now everyone in my family wants to go.   Submitted By: NULL