Patrick Canavan
Mr Patrick Canavan
Who was Patrick Canavan?
Patrick Canavan, known as Pat, was a 21 (twenty-one) year-old Irish general labourer who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Born on September 12, 1890, in Knockmaria, Addergoole, Co Mayo, Ireland, Pat was one of the third-class passengers aboard the ill-fated ship, embarking on a journey to join his siblings in America.
Early Life and Family Background
A Large Irish Family
Patrick Canavan came from a sizeable Irish family:
- Parents: Anthony Canavan (b. 1848) and Bridget Kelly (b. 1858)
- Siblings:
- Anne (b. December 16, 1881)
- Catherine (b. March 7, 1883)
- John (b. October 31, 1884)
- Thomas (b. March 31, 1887)
- Bridget (b. September 14, 1893)
- Anthony (b. February 8, 1898)
The Canavan family was deeply rooted in Knockmaria, Addergoole. They were Roman Catholic and bilingual, speaking both Irish and English.
Life in Knockmaria
“By the time of the latter record Pat was described as an unmarried farmer’s son.”
Census records provide insights into Pat’s early life:
- 1901: Family resided at house 5 in Knockmaria, Addergoole
- 1911: Moved to house 11, Knockmaria
The Journey to America
Why was Patrick Canavan on the Titanic?
Patrick Canavan was following in the footsteps of his elder siblings, Thomas and Kate, who had previously emigrated to the United States. His ultimate destination was Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where his sister Kate resided.
The Addergoole Fourteen
Pat wasn’t traveling alone. He was part of a group known as the Addergoole Fourteen, led by Catherine McGowan. This group included:
- His cousin, Mary Canavan
- James Flynn
- Annie Kate Kelly
Titanic Voyage Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Class | 3rd Class |
| Ticket Number | 364858 |
| Fare | £7 15s |
| Embarkation | Queenstown (now Cobh), Ireland |
| Embarkation Date | April 11, 1912 |
The Fateful Night
What happened to Patrick Canavan during the sinking?
Annie Kelly, one of the few survivors from the Addergoole group, provided a glimpse into Pat’s final moments. She described Pat Canavan and John Bourke guiding members of their group towards an iron ladder at the aft poop deck, which would lead them to higher decks.
Despite his efforts to help others, Patrick Canavan did not survive the sinking. His body, if recovered, was never identified, making him one of the many victims of the Titanic disaster.
Legacy and Family Aftermath
How did Patrick’s death impact his family?
The loss of Patrick Canavan resonated through his family for years to come:
Siblings in America:
- Thomas married and raised a family in Philadelphia, passing away in 1970 at 83 years old.
- Kate never married and lived until 1982, dying in New Haven, Connecticut at the age of 99.
Parents:
- Remained in Knockmaria
- Father Anthony died on March 10, 1933
- Mother Bridget passed away on November 15, 1947
Remembering the Addergoole Fourteen
Patrick Canavan’s story is intertwined with the larger narrative of the Addergoole Fourteen, a group that has become emblematic of the Irish experience on the Titanic. Their collective story continues to be commemorated, ensuring that the memory of Patrick and his fellow travelers lives on.
Andre Nolan is an avid Titanic historian and the creator of TitanicUniverse.com, a website dedicated to uncovering the untold stories and forgotten details behind the famous ocean liner.
With a lifelong passion for maritime history, Andre has spent over a decade researching the Titanic, from the personal lives of passengers and crew to the engineering marvels that made the ship an icon of its era.
When he's not immersed in Titanic lore, Andre enjoys connecting with fellow maritime history lovers, exploring historic ships and shipwrecks.