After much anticipation, the launch of Titanic 100 Cobh 2012 took place yesterday afternoon. Prior to proceedings the Irish Naval Service ship, the LE Emer, was open to the public at the Deep Water Quay. Later at 4:30pm a large crowd gathered in the promenade, in front of the hotel, to witness the first of many commemorative events to recognise the sinking of the Titanic in 1912.
Local dignitaries assembled under the beautifully decorated Victorian bandstand, while Titanic 100 events director, Mark Anderson, was busy co-ordinating activities on the water aswell as directing ceremonies in accordance with protocol. Several speeches ensued which were followed by a brief but entertaining lecture by Dr. Michael Martin (Titanic Trail), detailing intriguing soundbites of Titanic's stopover in Cobh.
At 5pm there was a poignant gun salute exchange between Spike Island and the LE Emer. This was followed by the release of 123 flares from Spike to commemorate the 123 individuals
who boarded the Titanic from Cobh on the 11th April 1912. This was also a poignant moment as the flares drifted over the harbour directly in view of the crowds massed on the shore. In the fading twilight they illuminated the harbour and as each gradually faded the names of those individuals were called out. How dramatic!
What a great start to the commemorative year! We all look forward to the year long calender of events that will now unfold. (Titanic 100 Cobh 2012)
For a full report of the day's activities, have a look at todays Examiner (click here).
Photos courtesy of Hendrick Verwey, Cobh Tourism
No comments:
Post a Comment