John Dunne

John Dunne was the son of Catherine Kavanagh and Peter Dunne, born in Rock Big on 23 February 1887. He grew up amidst Arklow’s seafaring community, choosing a life at sea that spanned several decades.

1901 Census

At age fourteen, John was living with his parents at House 9, Rock Big, recorded as a scholar who could read.

1911 Census

Following his father’s passing in 1905, twenty-four-year-old John was working as a quarry labourer to help support his widowed mother, Catherine, and his younger brothers.

As an adult, John transitioned to working as a sailor and merchant seaman. Because of his seafaring occupation, John was frequently at sea, which could account for his absence from the 1926 return.

John remained a steadfast pillar for his mother. In September 1941, he was present by Catherine's side at Old Chapel Ground when she passed away, personally registering her death at the Arklow district office.

Marriage to Mary Doyle

Five years later, on 6 November 1946, John married Mary Doyle (daughter of William Doyle) at Arklow Catholic Church. At the time of their wedding, John was listed as a bachelor working in the seafaring trade, residing at 5 Abbey Terrace, while Mary lived at 17 Pearse Terrace. The ceremony was witnessed by Michael Horan and Sarah Clare Horan.

John lived out his final years with Mary at 5 Abbey Terrace, Arklow.

On 23 April 1968, John passed away at home at the age of eighty. His civil death registration lists his occupation as sailor, with the cause of death certified as cardiac failure. His wife, Mary, was present and registered his death on 27 April 1968.