THE tragic drowning of two US students on Inishboffin 21 years ago was recalled last week when relatives and friends travelled to the island from Kansas to witness the unveiling of a commemorative cross.
Edward Moll (19) and Richard Mathes (20) were among a party of 150 students from the University of Kansas who were brought to the island for a 16 week semester as part of an integrated humanities programme in 1976.
They were marooned by the incoming tide while out exploring the Stags of Bofin, exposed reefs off the northern coast of the island. The tragedy linked the islanders and their American visitors in a bond that has stood the test of time.
The memorial cross, which was cast by sculptor John Behan, was unveiled following a con celebrated Mass by the parish priest, Father Paddy Sheridan, and Father Martin O'Connor from Castlebar, the priest on the island at the time of the drowning.