Lives lost on Lusitania honoured 110 years on in Cork

An event has been held in Cork to remember the RMS Lusitania, which sank off the coast of Kinsale in 1915.

The British ocean liner was torpedoed by a German U-boat on May 7, 1915, just 17km off the coast of Kinsale, killing 1,198 of the 1,959 passengers, 140 of whom were Irish.

The Lusitania Museum Old Head Signal Tower Heritage Company commemorated the 110th anniversary at a special ceremony, paying tribute to the lives lost.

The event was held at the Lusitania Memorial Garden on the Old Head of Kinsale, the closest point to the ship’s resting place. It brought together descendants of passengers, local representatives, and community members to reflect on a significant chapter in maritime history.

Cork South West TD Christopher O’Sullivan, the heritage minister, praised the museum.

“I want to acknowledge, commend, and praise the work and commitment of the Lusitania Museum Old Head Signal Tower Heritage Company,” said Mr O’Sullivan.

“Ensuring the story and the people involved are not forgotten is vital work.

“What is particularly striking is that [this] is a community project, managed by local volunteers for no profit. This gathering underscores the ongoing commitment to preserving the memory of those lost, ensuring the Lusitania’s story remains an important part of Ireland’s maritime heritage,” he added.

“Ireland’s maritime history is rich, diverse, and deeply embedded in our national identity. From ancient seafarers to modern innovators, our connection to the sea has helped shape who we are.”

The event included personal reflections from descendants, including from Patrick Slavin, who shared the survival story of his grandfather, Owen Slavin, who was a crew member, as well as from Michael O’Hare, who spoke of the recovery of a Lusitania lifeboat davit in 1965 and its return to the Old Head in 2018.

The ceremony also featured tributes from the RNLI, the Irish Coast Guard, and local performers, including a lament by Annette Buckley, and a reflection led by the Reverend Eugene Griffin.