The Spanish Flu Pandemic 1918-1919 resulted in about 25,000 deaths in Ireland, and 50 million worldwide, many of them young adults. In October 1918 Dr Lumsden, Irish Lights’ Medical Officer, issued a set of instructions for Lightkeepers for steps to take if symptoms of Influenza (Spanish Flu) were detected. These included immediate bed rest, taking Epsom Salts, and disinfection of the accommodation. Of the papers catalogued so far, four Lightkeepers are known to have died from influenza in this period.

These are:
Francis John Carolan, Assistant Keeper Howth Baily (26 July 1885-02 October 1918)
John McShane, Assistant Keeper Eagle Island (15 July 1889-19 November 1918)
Daniel David Twohig, Principal Keeper Tarbert (23 December 1867-20 December 1918)
Henry Thomas Murphy, Principal Keeper Spitbank (15 July 1868-17 February 1919)
‍
All four men were otherwise healthy and died within a matter of weeks from receiving a diagnosis. Two of the men were under 35.As well as the four deaths, two further Irish Lights employees were diagnosed with influenza and made full recoveries during this period. These were Michael Duffy, Assistant Keeper Blackrock Mayo; and J. Kavanagh, employed as a Mason at Blacksod.
‍