Dear members,

Please find below some infomation on the Leinster Mailboat Centenary events happening this autumn:

23rd September 2018:
“100 BOATS FOR 100 YEARS” – a sailing tribute marking the centenary. Route takes in the Kish. Followed by reception and presentations. The assistance of all local yacht clubs with this event is very welcome.

Sunday 7th October 2018. 2.00p.m.
Deansgrange Cemetery:  unveiling of monument in memory of William Maher, Hero of the Leinster and recipient of the international Bravery Medal of the Humanity Society in 1919.  Tuesday 9th October 2018. 8.00p.m.   Dún Laoghaire Club, (Eblana Club) 3 Eblana Avenue, Dún Laoghaire.  Reception / light refreshments / Talks on the Mail Boat Leinster by Dr. Gareth Hews (Wales), an expert on the subject,  and also an illustrated talk on St. John Ambulance’s great work during the rescue and recovery of bodies from the Leinster, to be delivered by Padraig Allen, curator of  St. John’s Ambulance. This historic venue has very strong connections with the Mail Boat Leinster dating back to 1910.

Leinster Vocal & Orchestral Concert – Sponsored by Royal Mail
Time:  6.30p.m. for 7.30p.m. (Reception)
7.30pm. To 9.00p.m. (Concert)
Venue:  St Joseph’s Parish Church, Glasthule.
Rónán Murray, organist and artistic director for this cultural event, is currently assembling several musicians/singers, including the Communications Workers Union band, for a vocal and orchestral memorial concert as part of the Centenary overall events.
Pieces of music, appropriate to the era, will be performed on the night.  A nationally known special guest of honour will compere on the night.
(On 27th October 1918, a similar concert took place in the Theatre Royal, Dublin, to support the Leinster’s Dependent’s Fund with Mary Leighton, Sorprano and the Amalgamated Musicians’ Union and others participating).

Tuesday 9th October 2018: Time: 8.00p.m: FÁILTE ISTEACH:
Venue: The Dún Laoghaire Club (Eblana Club), 3 Eblana Avenue, Dún Laoghaire.

The venue has major connections with the Mail Boat Leinster going back to 1910. Many of those on the ship – especially crew- were active members of the club and the connections continued with the best known  Leinster Survivor, Tom Connolly being a key member of the club in later years – see the notice board of the club’s Golf Society Presidents and you will find Connolly as the foundation president- and to-day a number of club members are descendants from people who were on the ship including the club President Tom Byrne and Club Board Member: William Byrne (no relation). The club’s visitor book from the days leading up to 10th October 1918 make interesting reading for all students of history and especially those researching their family connections with the Leinster. This book will be on display.

Wednesday 10th October 2018:
An official commemoration will take place in Dún Laoghaire to mark the centenary of the sinking of the Royal Mail Steamer (RMS) Leinster and to remember all of those who perished in that tragedy. The programme will comprise a significant cultural element as well as a formal commemoration and wreath-laying ceremony, with participation by members of the Defence Forces. This is also the date on which the vessel will come under the protection of the National Monuments Acts, which covers all shipwrecks over 100 years old. Time TBC. ​

From 2.00p.m.;  Visits to Mail Boat Leinster Exhibition in the National Maritime Museum, Moran Park, Dún Laoghaire, to the St. John’s Ambulance Exhibition in the Lexicon, Moran Park, Dún laoghaire, view the LEGO model of the Leinster in the Lexicon, Moran Park, Dún Laoghaire, visit the Leinster anchor, view the Leinster displays in local shop windows and visit other places of interest.

There will be a brochure available on the day  containing a LEINSTER TRAIL.

All arrangements are subject to change at short notice but every effort will be made to maintain the programme as published here.

See http://www.leinster2018.com/ for further details.