A pre-centenary gathering of families and relatives of those who were aboard the RMS Leinster when it sunk in 1918, was held in the Royal Marine Hotel, Dún Laoghaire, today.
Hundreds of relatives and friends of the Mail Boat Leinster passengers gathered to hear details of the planned Centenary Events, which are set to take place throughout September and October 2018, 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.
Highlights of the centenary events will include;
An Post is set to stage a significant display in Dún Laoghaire Post Office and is set to issue a special edition stamp to mark the centenary in October.
22nd & 23rd September 2018 – 100 Boats for 100 Years A maritime tribute – from Dun Laoghaire Harbour to the site of the Leinster wreck and back.
6th October – DLR Family Day at the LexIcon
Incorporating exhibitions of St. John Ambulance rescue equipment used 100 years ago and actors in period costume.
7th October – Deansgrange Cemetery
Tour of Leinster associated graves, conducted by John McCann of DLR County Council, followed by official unveiling of a monument to Leinster hero William Maher.
10th October – Centenary Day
7a.m. Special wreath laying ceremony at the site of the Leinster wreck (tickets sold out)
9a.m. Main inclusive Leinster Centenary Commemoration – details to be announced – all welcome21st October – The Pro-Cathedral Special mass to be 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 being proudly 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.