Leinster family and relatives gather for centenary launch

FAMILIES and relatives of those who were on board the RMS Leinster when it was sunk in 1918 gathered at the Royal Marine Hotel in Dún Laoghaire last week for the official launch of the centenary events marking the 100-year anniversary of the historic mail boat tragedy.

Hundreds of those directly affected by the sinking of the Mail Boat Leinster heard details of the planned centenary events, which are set to take place throughout September and October across Dún Laoghaire and Dublin City. 

The mail boat was torpedoed by a German submarine not long after it had left Kingstown (Dún Laoghaire) harbour on its way to Holyhead.

The loss of life totalled 501 and it brought the First World War, in its final stages, very close to Irish shores.

A large proportion of the lives that were lost when the Leinster sunk were thought to have been Irish – and probably far greater in number than the Irish who died on the Titanic in 1912 or the Lusitania in 1915.

Highlights of the centenary events will include a significant display by An post in Dún Laoghaire Post Office and the issuing of a special edition stamp to mark the centenary in October. 

A ‘100 Boats for 100 Years’ event on September 22 and 23 will feature a maritime tribute from Dun Laoghaire Harbour to the site of the Leinster wreck and back.

On October 6 a DLR Family Day at the LexIcon will incorporate exhibitions of St John Ambulance rescue equip-ment used 100 years ago and will also feature actors in period costume. 

On October 7, at Deansgrange Cemetery, there will be a tour of Leinster associated graves conducted by John McCann followed by an official unveiling of a monument to Leinster hero William Maher. 

On Centenary Day, October 10, a special wreath-laying ceremony at the site of the Leinster wreck at 7am (tickets sold out). At 9am, the main inclusive Leinster Centenary Commemoration will open to all while on October 21 the Pro-Cathedral will see a special mass celebrated by Diarmuid Martin, Archbishop of Dublin, in memory of all victims of the Leinster disaster. 

The National Maritime Museum, Moran Park, Dún Laoghaire, will hold several events throughout October to coincide with the commemorations.

The Mail Boat Leinster Centenary is supported by Celtic Invoice Discounting DAC, Premier Business Consultancy, Costello Jewellers, among others.

DLR County Council, Costello Flowers, The National Yacht Club, Mitchell & Son, The Royal Marine Hotel, Dún Laoghaire Motor Yacht Club and Royal Mail.