Eugene Patrick Daly

Who was Eugene Patrick Daly?

Eugene Patrick Daly was an Irish survivor of the Titanic disaster who gained notoriety for his eyewitness account of the ship’s final moments and his remarkable escape. Born in 1883 in County Westmeath, Ireland, Daly was a 29-year-old (twenty-nine-year-old) third-class passenger aboard the ill-fated vessel, traveling to America in search of a new life. His survival story, musical talents, and later life between Ireland and America made him a notable figure among Titanic survivors.

Early Life and Family

Eugene Patrick Daly was born on January 23, 1883, in Lisclogher, County Westmeath, Ireland. He came from a large family, being one of eight children born to Patrick Daly, a constable with the Royal Irish Constabulary, and Catherine Farrelly. Tragically, Eugene’s father passed away when he was just 10 (ten) years old, leaving the family to relocate to the nearby town of Athlone.

Siblings and Family Dynamics

Eugene’s siblings included:

Twins Joseph and Mary (born April 2, 1880, but sadly died shortly after birth)
Susannah Mary (born June 1, 1881)
Michael (born October 28, 1885)
Thomas (born October 6, 1887)
Margaret (born December 24, 1889)
James (born May 21, 1891)

Following his father’s death, Eugene, as the eldest surviving son, took on the role of the man of the house at a young age.

Career and Interests Before the Titanic

By the time of the 1901 census, Eugene was working as a wool factory hand in Athlone. His industriousness and varied interests were evident early on:

Worked as a wool heaver
Skilled as a mechanic
Involved in several Gaelic organizations
Member of the Clan Uiseach War Pipers’ Band

These pursuits highlight Daly’s connection to his Irish heritage and his mechanical aptitude, both of which would play roles in his Titanic experience.

Journey on the Titanic

Why was Eugene Patrick Daly on the Titanic?

Like many Irish emigrants of his time, Eugene Daly saw America as a land of opportunity. After years of saving, he purchased a third-class ticket for the Titanic’s maiden voyage, embarking on what he hoped would be the beginning of a new life across the Atlantic.

Titanic Ticket Details

Ticket Number: 382651
Cost: £7 15s (7 pounds, 15 shillings)
Class: Third Class
Embarked: Queenstown (now Cobh), Ireland

Companions on the Journey

Daly wasn’t traveling alone. He was accompanied by:

Margaret Daly - reportedly a relative
Bridget Mulvihill - a friend

A Musical Sendoff

As the Titanic steamed away from Queenstown, Daly played his traditional Irish uilleann pipes, providing a poignant soundtrack to the ship’s departure from Irish shores. Little did he know that these beloved pipes would soon be lost to the depths of the Atlantic.

The Night of the Disaster

Initial Reactions

When the Titanic struck the iceberg on April 14, 1912, Daly was asleep in his bunk. His recollection of the events provides a vivid account of the confusion and escalating panic aboard the ship:

Awakened by the collision
Initially reassured by a steward that nothing was amiss
Growing commotion drew him out of his cabin again
Escorted Margaret Daly and Bridget Mulvihill to the communal steerage areas

Struggle for Survival

Daly’s journey to survival was fraught with dramatic moments:

Obtained a lifebelt for Margaret Daly
Managed to reach the upper decks with his companions
Briefly entered a lifeboat (possibly 13 or 15) but was forcibly removed
Witnessed chaotic scenes on the forward boat deck, including alleged shootings

The Final Moments

In a sensational account given to the Daily Sketch on May 4, 1912, Daly claimed to have witnessed:

An officer shooting two men attempting to rush a lifeboat
The same officer allegedly taking his own life

While these claims are controversial and unverified, they add to the dramatic narrative of the Titanic’s final moments.

Daly’s Escape

As the ship’s bow began to sink, Daly:

Attempted to release a collapsible lifeboat
Jumped into the freezing water when no other options remained
Managed to climb aboard Collapsible B
Witnessed the Titanic’s final plunge from the relative safety of the lifeboat

Rescue and Aftermath

Rescue by the Carpathia

Daly was among the survivors picked up by the RMS Carpathia. He was reportedly unconscious when brought aboard and required immediate medical attention.

Arrival in New York

Upon arriving in New York, Daly was:

Described in Ellis Island records as a 29-year-old mechanic from Lisclogher
Initially headed to stay with a Mrs. Schultze at 901 Dean Street in Brooklyn

Post-Titanic Claims

Following his recovery at St. Vincent’s Hospital in New York, Daly:

Wrote to his mother to inform her of his safety
Filed a claim for $50 for the loss of his uilleann pipes

Interestingly, similar pipes were later salvaged from the Titanic wreck, potentially belonging to Daly.

Life After the Titanic

Marriage and Family

After a short time in America, Eugene met and married Englishwoman Lillian Caulfield on February 17, 1917. The couple’s life together included:

Residing in Brooklyn, where Eugene worked as a machinist
The birth of their daughter Marion in Galway, Ireland, in 1925
Dividing their time between Ireland and New York

Later Years

Eugene Daly’s later life was characterized by:

Continued devotion to his Irish heritage and music
A reputation as a devout churchgoer
Being well-known in his community for speaking very loudly,