Widespread approval for Mail Boat Leinster events

A REVIEW of the recent centenary marking the centenary of the Mail Boat Leinster disaster reports that all events organised proved successful with maximun attendances recorded.

The report also asserts that the emphasis on involving local communities proved to be a “resounding success”. 

The report is also satisfied that the message got through to the public that among those who died on the ship were ordinary people including postal workers, crew members, nurses returning to work in British hospitals and members of the public using the main means of transport between Ireland and Britian in those days.

This, the report claims, has changed the image of the ship being just a troop carrier for the “inglorious” World War 1. 

In all over 30 major events were held and all proved successful.

These included two yacht races, involvement by local community groups such as the Ballybrack Mens' Shed, a number of high profile concerts, visits by boat to the wreck of the ship to lay wreaths, a centenary lunch, and a ‘welcoming’ night for people who travelled from all parts of Ireland, Britain, other parts of Europe, Canada, New Zealand and Australia.

The final event in the series of commemorations was a Latin sung Mass in Dublin's Procathederal celebrated by the Archbishop of Dublin, Rev Diarmuid Martin.

There were also numerous family reunions facilitated by the organising committee which proved a fitting tribute to the dead.