Annie Moore, immortalised in Brendan Graham's song 'Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears,' was born on this day in 1874. Annie's story so much symbolises the story of emigration in this country and in many ways symbolises the story of the American dream for many in the US. It is because of this symbolism that a statue of her with her two brothers, pictured above, was erected outside the Heritage Centre many years ago. Her story is summarised in the following extract taken from the Cobh Heritage website:-
"Annie Moore became the first ever emigrant to be processed in Ellis Island when it officially opened on 1st January 1892. Annie and her brothers sailed from Queenstown on the SS Nevada on the 20th December and arrived after 12 days of travelling in steerage. The statue outside Cobh Heritage Centre was unveiled by President Mary Robinson on the 9th February 1993. A similar statue of Annie can be found in Ellis Island, New York which represents not only the honour of her being the first emigrant to pass through Ellis Island but also stands as a symbol of the many Irish who have embarked on that very same journey."
In many ways Annie's statue immortalises the story of the over 2.5 million Irish people who departed from Cobh (Queenstown) on their journey of emigration to a new life, to new lands. That story is exceptionally well told in 'Cobh the Queenstown Story' and a visit to the Heritage Centre is a must on any visit to Cobh.
As part of a stay at the Commodore Hotel we are currently offering packages that include a visit to 'Cobh the Queenstown Story.' read more.....
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