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Endurance was first ship in history to be insured

Published

4 years ago

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By John Healy of Healy Insurances

The Endurance, the lost vessel of Antarctic explorer Ernest Shackleton and Annascaul native Tom Crean, was found at the bottom of the Weddell Sea on March 5 last.

Photo: Falklands Maritime Heritage Trust

The ship was crushed by Antarctic sea-ice in January 1915 and sank on November 21 1915, forcing Shackleton and his crew to make their escape on foot and in small boats. The rescue mission took four attempts with the remainder of the 28 crew rescued from Elephant Island on August 30 1916. It had been 24 months and 22 days since they set sail from England. It's considered to be one of the great survival stories of human history.

Paul Miller of The Insurance Museum in London confirmed that the Endurance was insured at Lloyds of London in 1914. News that the Endurance was missing first came via Lloyds “apart from the natural anxiety as to the fate of Ernest Shackleton, underwriters are now somewhat concerned about the safety of the expedition ship Endurance which has not been heard of since she left South Georgia in December 1914 to carry the transatlantic party to their starting point”.

Lloyd’s and the Indemnity Marine Assurance Company had underwritten its hull, machinery and equipment for £15,000.

This was the first vessel to take part in Antarctic exploration to be covered against all risks throughout her voyage.

It had appeared to be a good risk as there had been no record of recent disaster to an Antarctic ship. Over the previous 20 years, 23 vessels had gone and returned home safely.

The Endurance was the first ship in history to be insured into the waters of the Antarctic. The Times reported "Hitherto the insurance of vessels taking part in Antarctic exploration has ceased at the last port touched, and Endurance will be the first vessel to be insured in the ice zone".

The scientists aboard the research vessel that located the Endurance said that the wreck was in remarkably good condition with the name Endurance on the stern still clearly legible.

The scientists did not salvage any part of the wreck as the ship is now a protected historic site and monument under the Antarctic treaty system, the international regulations that apply to Antarctica.

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Jessie Buckley favourite for Best Actress Oscar

Published

7 hours ago

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22 January 2026

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Killarney actress Jessie Buckley has officially been nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in the film Hamnet.

The news, which broke at lunchtime on Thursday, has sparked widespread celebrations across the town, with Buckley now considered a strong favourite to secure the win on March 15.

This marks the second Oscar nomination for the star.

She was previously nominated in 2021 for Best Supporting Actress for her role in The Lost Daughter, eventually losing out to Ariana DeBose.

This time, however, industry experts see her as the overwhelming frontrunner to take home the statuette.

In Hamnet, Buckley plays Agnes, the wife of William Shakespeare, starring alongside Paul Mescal.

While the film brought glory to Buckley, there was disappointment for her co-star as the Kildare man narrowly missed out on a nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

The excitement in Killarney was palpable as the nominations were announced live from Hollywood.


A large crowd gathered at the Arbutus Hotel on College Street, owned by Jessie’s Uncle Sean to toast her success.


Radio Kerry broadcast live from the hotel throughout the afternoon, capturing the electric atmosphere as locals celebrated.

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Healy-Rae launches new podcast

Published

8 hours ago

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22 January 2026

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Castleisland-Corca Dhuibhne councillor Jackie Healy-Rae has launched a new podcast focused on Kerry County Council meetings.

Titled The Chamber, the podcast aims to provide listeners with a clear and direct insight into what is happening inside the council chamber, from the councillor’s perspective.

Cllr Healy-Rae said the idea behind the podcast is to explain what is being discussed and decided at council meetings, and what those decisions mean for people on the ground.

While there are more ways than ever for people to get their news and information, Healy Rae said that he felt there was a space for something more direct and accessible.

He explained: “The Chamber is about bringing people inside the council chamber and explaining what’s going on, without jargon or spin.”

Each episode will provide updates from council meetings, outlining key motions, discussions and decisions, and offering a councillor’s perspective on local issues that affect everyday life from infrastructure and services to planning and community matters.

The first episode, focusing on the January full council meeting, is now available, with further episodes planned on a regular basis following council meetings.

The Chamber is available on Spotify and via Cllr Jackie Healy-Rae’s social media channels.

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