This is an extract from ‘The Waterfront Magazine’ published in September 1960 and sent to us by Bridget Tiedt.

This month we visit Ringsend again to pay tribute to one of the most noted families in the district: the Goughs
Over a hundred years of Port generations of this renowned family. Many people are still alive who will remember with affection and respect the celebrated ‘Georgie’ Gough. A man of versatile talents and multifarious activities, he was for half a century a familiar figure in his straw hat, and was known affectionately as the Lord Mayor of Ringsend.

A tough man in an era and area of tough men, he was keenly interested in all forms of sport and athletics, including boxing, and he originated the Ringsend Dodder Regatta, the proceeds from which helped materially to build St Patrick’s Church.

‘Georgie’ was a popular stevedore, and for many years partnered William Archie Murphy. His brother James was also a well known figure in Ringsend. A docker and busheller of high repute he was also one of the early ‘hobblers’ who did so much to bring employment to Ringsend and lay the foundation of the district’s prosperity.

James had two sons, who are still prominent in Port life in their respective spheres. Initially they both followed the family calling, and they both took part in the Civil War. It was typical of the tragic times that they fought on opposite sides, David serving with the National Army as a section commandant while James fought on the side of the Republicans. They both survived to return to the docks when hostilities ceased.

David is at present Labour Superintendent of the B & I, and has led a colourful and chequered career. With his father he bushelled grain before the introduction of the Silo, and as compensation for the loss of their employment they received the princely sum of £15 each.

David subsequently was a founder member of the Irish Seamen’s and Port Workers Union and later became an official. He gave outstanding service to the Union in its formative period, and was dockers’ delegate for 18 years, working in close association with such personalities as the late Joe Ellis, Jack Kelly, Jimmy Conroy, and John Dempsey. His departure was a loss to the Union and the Movement generally.

The Goughs have given more than their share to the prosperity and well being of Ringsend. They have left their impress on the annals of Dockland, and played a notable part in the evolution of the Port.

Waterfront pays tribute to the Goughs past and present