Many years ago during a fierce gale a Welsh sailing vessel called the Ernest was driven ashore and wrecked on the dangerous rocks between Wicklow head and Wicklow harbour. Close by stood a farm house the residence of the O'Connors, (my great-great grandfather's home) known as the "Commons," now the Wicklow Golf Links.
On board the vessel were three men and a boy of fourteen who had suffered great hardships, having been battered about by the storm for days. On being taken ashore from the vessel they were brought to the home of the O'Connors and cared for, for days.
When the three men were recovered sufficiently they left for their homes in Wales, but the boy remained with the family for his life-time. He