Cobh plans royal send-off for QE2

PEOPLE living in Cobh, Co Cork are planning a right royal send-off to the world’s most famous cruise liner when she departs the harbour town tomorrow.

The luxury liner will arrive in Cobh ahead of schedule at around 2pm today. The change came when it was decided she wouldn’t visit Cherbourg due to weather conditions.

It will be the last time the QE2 ties up at the town’s deep water quay, before she sails to the Palm Jumeirah in Dubai where she will be permanently berthed as a floating hotel.

Hendrick Verwey, chairman of Cobh Tourism, said it was hoped to create an atmosphere on the quaysides and hills of Cobh reminiscent of a bygone era by having hundreds of these white handkerchiefs waving as the majestic liner sails out of the harbour.

As is usual when a grand liner visits Cobh, a traffic management plan will be put in place by the gardaí and Cobh Town Council to prevent gridlock. Cobh Tourism and a band of volunteers will provide stewarding for the car parks.

A free park and ride service will operate from Garvey’s SuperValu to the town centre from 1pm to 7pm and the playground of St Mary’s School will be open to the public from 3pm onwards.

Extra capacity will also be provided by Irish Rail on the Cork-Cobh rail line.