McAleese writes to victims’ families

PRESIDENT Mary McAleese couldn’t make yesterday’s commemoration, but she sent a letter to the victims’ families assuring them her thoughts and prayers were with them.

In the letter, which was read out at the Mass, Mrs McAleese said it was fitting on the 30th anniversary to pay tribute to all those who lost their lives.

But she said she hoped some good had come from their sacrifice because, as a result of the inquiry, safety procedures had increased significantly on tankers, which should help safeguard crews today.

Anchored in the harbour yesterday were two warships. The French sent over the Cassiopee, a minesweeper, and the LÉ Emer represented the Irish Naval Service.

Both crews formed guards of honour at various ceremonies during the day.

Also in attendance was the navy’s commander, Flag Officer Commodore Frank Lynch.

It evoked several memories for him as he was captain of the LÉ Fola, the first naval vessel to respond after the disaster struck.

French ambassador, His Excellency Yvon Roe D’Albert, made his first trip to Bantry for the commemoration, along with his wife Marie-Claud.

He said the families of the French victims would never forget how welcome they had been made to feel by the people of Bantry.

Peter Power, the junior minister for foreign affairs, represented the Government at the ceremonies and said all those involved in perpetuating the memory of the Betelgeuse dead deserved to be thanked for their efforts.

Many people’s hearts went out to Liam Shanahan as he laid one of several wreaths at the memorial. He was born the very night that his father died in the disaster.

Tears welled in the eyes of mourners during that ceremony, which got under way after lone piper Donal Cronin played a lament. Bishop John Buckley gave a blessing at the memorial before the names of each of the dead were read out.

That was followed by a minute’s silence as a mark of respect.