A Maple Ridge songsmith has added to his collection of “songumentaries’ telling the history of B.C., with a song about a New York pirate captured in Whonnock.
Bruce Coughlan’s latest song “The Pirate Bold Kirkconnell” tells the story of Colonel Edward Shannon Kirkconnell, who was a farmer in Whonnock when he was eventually captured by police.
According to the Maple Ridge Museum, it was alleged that Kirkconnell and his brother sailed away with a shipload of goods obtained under false pretences, in the spring of 1908.
It was considered the largest act of piracy in Atlantic history, said Coughlan.
They headed to Honduras and arrived there safely when they were arrested. But, Kirkconnell escaped and made his way to Whonnock.
He was discovered and apprehended a second time on Tuesday, June 29, 1909, admitting his real name was Francis G. Bailey.
At the time of his arrest he was the owner of a ranch in Whonnock and was said to be very wealthy.
Charges against him included the alleged theft of a steamer 265 feet long, three motor launches and 1000 gallons of gasoline, plows, electrical motors, telegraphic equipment and the plan for clearing a town site, the cash value of which was estimated as well on to $250,000.
“And that’s where the story begins,” said Coughlan, who, is celebrating his 50th anniversary this year as a full-time performer.
The 65-year-old wrote his song in the style of an Irish outlaw ballad. A very raucous, tongue in cheek song, said Coughlan.
“The Pirate Bold Kirkconnell” is one of many songs documenting the history Pacific Canada for Coughlan’s “Stirring Up Ghosts” initiative, a legacy project he started in 1997.
Another new release is called “Far End of the Road”.
“At one time B.C. was considered the far end of the road for those seeking their future, and others running from their past,” explained Coughlan, noting there are not only heroes in his songs, but villains as well.
His band, Tiller’s Folly, have recorded and performed the songs across Western Canada and beyond.
Coughlan believes B.C.’s cultural and heritage tourism fell apart after the COVID-19 pandemic.
“What I am trying to create, is a place where today people can get a feeling of their history, a feeling of British Columbia heritage that gives them a sense of place,” said Coughlan about his legacy project. “Connected to beyond just what’s on their phone at the moment.”
A feeling, he said, of belonging.
Coughlan has just been shortlisted as a semi-finalist in the blues category of the 2025 International Songwriting Competition for his song called “Yesterday’s News”.
Finalists, he noted, will be chosen in the coming weeks.
The International Songwriting Competition, (ISC), is an annual song contest whose mission is to provide the opportunity for both aspiring and established songwriters to have their songs heard in a professional, international arena.
Judges include Tom Waits, Fantastic Negrito, Gavin Rossdale of Bush, Elle King, Ryan Adams, and Jason Mraz.
The music of Coughlan and his band Tiller’s Folly can be found on all major streaming platforms and can be downloaded from Bandcamp.
For more information go to: https://tillersfolly.com/welcome.