To commemorate the sinking of the Lusitania which occurred on May 7th, 1915 & to remember the victims of the tragedy, the following events will take place throughout the day in Old Head of Kinsale, Co. Cork:
1.00PM Free bus provided from Kinsale Tourist Office to Old Head. Booking essential, contact dermotryankinsale@gmail.com
1.20PM Public assembly at the Lusitania monument on the Old Head of Kinsale.
1.40PM Arrival of coastguard Air Sea Rescue helicopter. Courtmacsherry 1915 replica lifeboat at the Old Head Signal Tower.
2.00PM-2.45pm Official Commemoration Cermony
Cermony commences with Raymond White, Master of Cermonies
2.10pm Courtmacsherry lifeboat over wreck site laying wreath and firing white flares. It will then proceed to motor in to Holeopen bay west in sight of the Old Head Monument.
2.10PM Irish Naval Vessel sounds its whistle to mark the tragedy – 1 minute silence.
- Ecumenical prayer service, followed by laying of wreaths at the monument.
- Lament specially composed by Linda and Irene Buckley.
- 2.25pm – Last post n bugle.
Addresses by Alan Coleman, County Mayor, Michael Dowe, Grandson of Lusitania Captain Dowe, artist Stuat WIlliamson, Mr Simon Conveney T.D. Minister of Agriculture, Food, Marine & Defence.
2.45PM Unveiling of commemorative plaque by Minister Conveney.
3PM official opening of the Old Head Restored Signal Tower ( and the associated Flag-and-ball signalling system), transformed into a Lusitania Museum, exhibiting artefacts recovered from the wreck. In the near future the Museum will also host an iconic piece of sculpture with the names of all who sailed on the Lusitania on May 7th 1915.
3.30pm
Irish coastguard helicopter and Old Head Signal Tower open to the public. From the parapet walkway the full panorama of one of Ireland’s most scenic penisula’s will unfold.