Canadian Couple's 13-Year-Old Message in a Bottle Discovered in Ireland

In a heartwarming tale spanning over a decade, a message in a bottle from a Canadian couple was recently discovered in an Irish bay, igniting a wave of nostalgia and connection across continents. In September 2012, Anita and Brad Squires, who were then a young couple dating for a year, sealed a heartfelt note in a bottle while enjoying a romantic day on Bell Island, Newfoundland. The note described their idyllic day and requested that anyone who found it reach out to them at a provided phone number.

Fast forward to July 2025, a couple named Kate and John Gay unearthed the bottle at Scraggane Bay in County Kerry, approximately 2,000 miles away from its origin. Upon reading the touching note, the Gays were curious about the fate of the original authors. They attempted to call the number listed but received no response. Subsequently, they took to Facebook, posting on the Maharees Heritage and Conservation page—a group dedicated to environmental preservation and community engagement—hoping to trace the couple's whereabouts. This post quickly went viral, resulting in swift connections back to Canada, where friends alerted Anita and Brad of their long-lost message.

Brad Squires, now a father of three and still residing in Newfoundland, expressed his surprise and joy at the renewed interest in their youthful romantic gesture. "The last 24 hours have just been awesome—knowing the story is appreciated by so many people," he remarked during an interview with RTÉ radio's Morning Ireland. The couple married in 2016, and Brad emphasized that they have matured but their love remains steadfast.

The Maharees Conservation Association, represented by Martha Farrell, noted that this discovery has sparked a flurry of similar stories from couples across Canada who have attempted to connect through messages in bottles. Such stories resonate deeply, reminding people of the enduring power of love and human connection, even across vast distances.

This incident illustrates not only the charm of romantic gestures but also the potential of social media to bridge gaps over time and geography. As communities engage with this story, it raises questions about the significance of personal narratives and the ways they can inspire connections in an increasingly digital world. With plans for the Squires to visit Ireland soon, the unfolding narrative serves as a reminder that love knows no bounds, and sometimes, a simple message can reignite old flames and forge new friendships.