Within less than two weeks since a launch of the Rosslare-Fishguard routes' 120th anniversary exhibition was 'extended', it has further exceeded expectations, as more than 1,000 visitors have admired attending, writes Jehan Ashmore.
Its organisers, the Rosslare Harbour Maritime Heritage Centre in partnership with the host venue, Rosslare Europort (Irish Rail), had officially launched the exhibition by Captain Sean Boyce. Attending was the Lord Mayor of Fishguard, local councillors and politicians, port officials, past ferry crew members, and the general public to an oversubscribed reception. A clear indicator of popular demand, that led to the extended exhibition with its fascinating display of maritime memorabilia and more to reveal through the passage of time, history, and heritage.
The friendly team has welcomed hundreds from all generations to view, learn, and reflect upon the historic Ireland-Wales route that all began on 31st August, 1906. On that day, the Great Western Railway’s turbine steamship S.S. St. Patrick set off on what would become ever since one of the most successful short-sea routes between these isles.
At the weekend, the route was commemorated and celebrated by the team of the RHMHC, some with direct seafaring careers, having worked on the many generations of ferries and fast craft alike over the decades. These seafaring folk took sailings on Sunday, exactly to the day, marking the inaugural sailing, 120 years ago.
In recognition of the maritime milestone, the route’s current incumbent, the ro-pax Stena Europe, was ‘dressed overall’ and was under the command of Irish master, Captain Richard Cleary (see Ships Monthly feature, see July issue), along with passengers and those to celebrate the crossing of the St. George’s Channel.
No official announcement of the historic day was made on board when sailing from Fishguard, where the port town, along with Goodwick, was officially twinned with Rosslare last year, when a signing agreement was held aptly onboard and midway of the channel.
The twinning brings closer ties, not just because of the ferries and ports, strengthening economic benefits, but also, importantly, through heritage and social links that bond people together with communities less than 60 nautical miles away.
So take the time this weekend to visit this unique exhibition with its wonderful collections of rare photographs, artifacts, and vessel models, notably the large-scale of Koningen Beatrix, which, when introduced, offered enhanced and spacious cruise-ferry standards reflecting its Dutch-UK origins.
The public can continue to visit the free exhibition this weekend (Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 September) from (2pm to 7pm) is held on the first floor in the terminal of Rosslare Europort.
Among the most notable and numerous exhibits is the original ship’s wheel from the bridge of the former route serving Stena Europe, widely revered, given it was a firm ferry favourite, for 21 years, until it was replaced in recent years.
Aptly, its name is retained given its Africa Morocco Link (AML) role, which Afloat had speculated prior to its reintroduction across the Strait of Gibraltar - having had a previous charter with another operator.
Afloat today tracked the veteran vessel to Nador, Morocco, after a sailing from Almeria, Spain, yet this route does not appear on the AML’s website…. so more to research and follow up with this Stena stalwart!
Meanwhile, Stena Nordica, which in advance of its debut in 2023, was refurbished and had its upper deck enlarged with its Plus Lounge along with areas on the main deck such as the Social Café & Bar, seemingly a nod to modern-day technology. So one ponders how the route will look and feel in the future! let alone will there be a rival too?
