'They will never be forgotten': West Cork ceremony marks anniversary of Air India tragedy

Cork County Council marked the 41st anniversary of the Air India Flight 182 tragedy at an event with families of victims, international dignitaries, and members of the local community at the Air India Memorial in Ahakista, West Cork.

The annual ceremony remembers the 329 people who lost their lives on June 23, 1985, when the aircraft was brought down off the Irish coast, the worst aviation disaster in Irish history.

This year’s ceremony began with a minute of silence, followed by a tribute from the families of the victims through chanting and readings from Christian and Hindu representatives.

Wreaths were laid by family members and dignitaries including the Mayor of the County of Cork, Mary Linehan Foley; The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Canadian Minister of Public Safety; Indian Ambassador to Ireland, Manish Gupta; representatives from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Naval Service, An Garda Síochán, and Coláiste Pobail Bheanntraí.

The Ahakista Choir, made up of Children from Ahakista National School, also performed.

Speaking at the event, Ms Linehan Foley said: “The names of those who were lost are forever intertwined with the story of our county.

“Here in Cork, and especially in West Cork, their memory has never faded. 

!We carry it with us, and we remain steadfast in our commitment that they will never be forgotten.”