State urged to buy West Cork site linked to famous Second World War spider monkey
The State has been urged to buy the White’s Marsh land, just outside Clonakilty, to create an eco park. Photo: Myhome.ie
The State has been urged to buy a scenic coastal site in West Cork which boasts a unique link to a famous wartime monkey.
Cork South West TD, Christopher O’Sullivan, Fianna Fáil’s spokesperson on the Environment, Climate Action and Biodiversity, said the State should buy the White’s Marsh land, just outside Clonakilty, to create an eco park.
The site, which has been advertised for sale this week, is linked to a remarkable Second World War story which has become part of West Cork lore and legend.
“This site is not just a piece of land — it is a part of our history,” Mr O’Sullivan said.
A US air force crew flying a B-17 Flying Fortress bomber from Morocco to England, with their mascot, Tojo, a spider monkey, on board, was forced to make an emergency landing on the White’s Marsh site in April 1943.
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Some say they landed after their craft experienced engine trouble. Others believe the crew got lost in fog and mistook the West Cork coast for Norway.
All on board survived the landing and they and their monkey were put up in O’Donovan’s Hotel in Clonakilty, which was being used as a temporary army barracks during the war, until their identities were verified.
They and Tojo were feted as local celebrities and Tojo was plied with food and drink — alien to a monkey diet — as locals welcomed him and the crew into the community.
Sadly, Tojo died within days and was given a traditional Irish wake and a funeral with military honours. He was buried behind the hotel.
A statue commemorating the spider's legacy was unveiled in the town just over a decade ago and a plaque at White’s March also records the story.
Just 2.5 miles from Clonakilty and 1.5 miles from Inchydoney Beach, the near 40-hectare site (98.6-acres) is zoned ‘greenbelt 1’ in the county development plan and has been described by the estate agents, Martin Kelleher Property, as offering an excellent opportunity for anyone to expand their current agricultural holdings or invest in additional farmland.
But Mr O’Sullivan, who is a native to the area, said he has contacted Tánaiste Micheál Martin, and Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O'Brien TD, urging the State to purchase the site which he said holds immense natural and historical significance for the local community.
He said its location, within walking distance of Clonakilty, provides a unique opportunity for the community to engage with nature, enjoy wildlife, and explore potential walking trails, including providing the option of a safe walkway between Clonakilty and Inchydoney Beach.
“This could serve as a vital educational resource for our children, fostering a deeper connection with the environment and promoting awareness of our local history,” he said.
“It could also serve as a means of fostering a love of nature in the very youngest in our society by the inclusion of a safe walkway.
"We have seen similar projects take off, such as the Conor Pass in Kerry, and successful projects enhance the local community amenities.
“Clonakilty deserves the same opportunity. We need more green spaces, and the purchase of White’s Marsh could be a transformative step for our town with the potential of this site serving as a great opportunity.”
He has urged the State to recognise the historical, ecological and commercial importance of the White’s Marsh site and to act decisively and promptly to secure the site for the benefit of the community.
