Catherine Connolly

Who was Miss Catherine Connolly?

Miss Catherine “Kate” Connolly was a 23-year-old Irish survivor of the RMS Titanic disaster. Born on June 3, 1888, in Cortrasna, Drumlumman, Co Cavan, Ireland, she embarked on a journey that would not only change her life but also become a part of one of the most significant maritime tragedies in history.

Early Life and Family

Catherine Connolly, known affectionately as Kate, was born into a farming family in rural Ireland. Her parents were:

• Father: James Connolly (born circa 1844), a farmer
• Mother: Catherine Fagan (born circa 1850)

Kate was one of six children in the Connolly family:

1. James (born October 14, 1871)
2. Ellen (born July 12, 1874)
3. Eliza (born October 7, 1877)
4. John (born May 10, 1883)
5. Kate herself (born June 3, 1888)
6. Mary Josephine (born May 2, 1898)

The family resided in Cortrasna, as evidenced by the 1901 census, which listed their home as house 6 in the area. Tragedy struck the family when James Connolly Sr. passed away at the age of 65 on June 25, 1909.

The Fateful Titanic Journey

Why did Kate decide to travel to America?

Kate made the life-changing decision to join her sister Ellen “Nellie” McGuckian in New York. This choice led her to board the RMS Titanic at Queenstown (now Cobh) as a third-class passenger.

Titanic Ticket and Cabin Details

• Ticket Number: 370373
• Ticket Cost: £7 15s (7 pounds, 15 shillings)
• Class: Third Class
• Cabin: Unknown

Kate’s cabin mates on the Titanic were fellow Irish girls:

• Julia Smyth (from Cavan)
• Mary McGovern (from Cavan)
• Mary Agatha Glynn (from Co Clare)

The Night of the Sinking

On the fateful night of April 14-15, 1912, Kate and her roommates managed to make their way to the upper decks. In a display of heroism often overlooked in Titanic narratives, Kate later reported that several young Irish men had found a route to the upper decks and returned to guide them to safety.

Kate and her companions were fortunate enough to escape the sinking ship, most likely in lifeboat 13. This twist of fate allowed Kate to survive one of the deadliest peacetime maritime disasters in modern history.

Life After the Titanic

Arrival in New York

Kate eventually landed in New York aboard the RMS Carpathia, the ship that came to the rescue of Titanic survivors. Upon arrival, she was described as a 21-year-old domestic from Curtrasna. Her initial destination was her sister’s address at 309 East 88th Street, New York.

Marriage and Family Life

On September 30, 1916, Kate married William Arkins, a fellow Irish immigrant from Co Cavan. The couple settled in Manhattan and had four sons:

1. James William (March 11, 1918 - 1992)
2. John Joseph (October 26, 1920 - 2009)
3. Peter (August 2, 1925)
4. Thomas (1927 - September 16, 1927)

Career and Citizenship

While Kate’s primary role seemed to be that of a homemaker, her husband William worked various jobs in maintenance, factories, and shipyards before venturing into real estate.

Kate applied for US citizenship in November 1924. Her physical description at the time was:

• Height: 5'7"
• Hair color: Brown
• Eye color: Grey

She became a naturalized citizen on June 22, 1931, a year after her husband had done so.

Kate’s Later Years and Legacy

Kate Connolly Arkins lived a full life after her brush with death on the Titanic. She passed away at the age of 60 (sixty) following a stroke on July 3, 1948, in Whitestone, Queens, New York. Her husband William outlived her by nearly two decades, passing away on June 21, 1965.

Kate’s final resting place is at Mount St. Mary’s Cemetery in Flushing, New York City (section 20, Row R, grave 12). Her story serves as a testament to the resilience of Titanic survivors and the immigrant experience in early 20th century America.

Kate Connolly’s survival and subsequent life in America embody the hopes and dreams of many Irish immigrants of her time. From the rural fields of Cavan to the bustling streets of New York, her journey was one of courage, survival, and ultimately, a new beginning.