PREPARATIONS are well underway for a series of centenary events marking the 100-year anniversary of the sinking of the RMS Leinster.
The official launch took place in Dun Laoghaire recently where details of the planned centenary events, which are set to take place throughout September and October across Dún Laoghaire and Dublin City, were unveiled
Hundreds of those directly affected by the sinking of the Mail Boat Leinster gathered to mark the occasion in the seaside town.
Just before 9am on the morning of Thursday, October 10, 1918, the Royal Mail Steamer (RMS) Leinster began its final voyage from Carlisle Pier in Dún Laoghaire (then Kingstown) to Holyhead in Wales.
The ship was owned and operated by the City of Dublin Steam Packet Company. An estimated 771 passengers and crew were on board, comprising postal sorters, civilian passengers, military and medical personnel and the ship’s crew.
Between 9.30am and 9.40am, the RMS Leinster passed the Kish Light. Shortly afterwards, it was sunk by three torpedoes fired by German submarine, UB-123. What unfolded was the worst maritime disaster in the Irish Sea.
Over 500 people perished, including members of the ship's crew, postal sorters, civilian passengers and military, medical and support personnel involved in the war effort. Families and communities on both sides of the Irish Sea and as far afield as America, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, were devastated by this tragedy. The 35 members of the crew of UB-123 were themselves killed one week later. An immense humanitarian response was mobilised following the tragedy and this year’s events will acknowledge the care and kindness shown by the rescue services, and nursing and medical personnel.
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 with a trip 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 equipment 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 the official unveiling of a monument to Leinster hero William Maher.
On Centenary Day, October 10, a special wreath-laying ceremony will take place at the site of the Leinster wreck at 7am (tickets sold out).
At 9am, the main inclusive Leinster Centenary Commemoration will welcome all while on October 21 The Pro-Cathedral will see a special mass celebrated by Diarmuid Martin, the 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 The Association for Gaff Rig Sailing, Celtic Invoice Discounting DAC, Premier Business Consultancy, Costello Jewellers, DLR County Council, Costello Flowers, The National Yacht Club, Mitchell & Son, The Royal Marine Hotel, Dún Laoghaire Motor Yacht Club and Royal Mail.
The Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Josepha Madigan, said: “I commend the efforts of all of those who have, for many years, worked so hard to ensure that the stories of all of those who were on board the RMS Leinster when she embarked upon her final journey are not forgotten. Their stories have, for too long, been hidden and unspoken. As we mark the centenary of this tragedy, we have developed an appreciation of the complex narratives around Ireland's involvement in World War I and a mature understanding of the context of that time.
“In particular, I wish to acknowledge the efforts of the late owner of the RMS Leinster, Des Brannigan, who was committed to protecting the ship and was one of the founders of the National Maritime Museum in Dún Laoghaire.
“I would also like to sincerely thank Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, the family members of those affected by this tragedy, and the many other stakeholders who are working with my department as we develop an inclusive, respectful and fitting ceremony in remembrance of all of those who died.”