Listening posts recall generation of emigrants

A QUAY-SIDE monument of sound was unveiled at the weekend to honour a generation of Irish emigrants.

Lord Mayor of Cork Michael Ahern unveiled the listening posts on the city’s Penrose Quay — a traditional departure point during the 1940s, 50s and 60s for emigrant boats such as the Inisfallen.

The listening posts are four stainless steel beacon-like structures which play recordings of interviews with hundreds of emigrants, their descendants, those they left behind, workers on the emigrant ships, emigrants who want to return to Ireland and those who were glad they got away.