A major commemorative event which will take place in the Lahardane area in 2012 to commemorate the loss of 11 lives from the parish of Addergoole — all of whom perished on the Titanic — was given support by members of the cultural, education, heritage, and corporate affairs SPC.
During Wednesday’s meeting Micheal Molloy from the commemoration committee outlined plans for the commemoration which will take place on the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the ship. In total 14 people from the Addergoole area set sail on the liner and the Addergoole Titanic Society believes that the loss of 11 lives represents the largest proportionate loss of life from any locality on the ship.
The commemoration, which will host a number of events, is expected to cost around €112,000 and the committee has already begun fundraising, with a trip to Boston planned for this weekend. There is also a novel fundraiser of buying “links” to the bottom of the wreckage of Titanic for a cost of €2.50 per link. The committee have also sent in a submission to An Post for a commemorative stamp which depicts the 14 people from Lahardane.
Chair of the SPC, Councillor Al McDonnell congratulated the committee on its fundraising and said that when budget estimates come up “we will do our best to secure funding”.
Cllr Joe Mellett, who has ancestral links to the Castlebar ticket seller for the Titanic, supported the backing of the commemoration by Mayo County Council. Cllr Eugene McCormack also voiced his support and director of services Joe Loftus suggested that a recommendation be put in place, to the council from the SPC, to consider supporting this event in budget 2011. Cllr McDonnell said that a formal proposal would be made.
