Cobh to capitalise on ‘The Gathering’

Cobh is hoping to make a connection with the descendants of an estimated 2.5m people who emigrated by sea from the harbour town as it plans for the Government-led The Gathering tourism project next year.

Mayor Jim Quinlan (Lab) said Cobh had become very aware of its tourist potential in recent years.

After the success of recent Titanic commemorations, he believes many descendants will visit Cobh in 2013 as part of the Government’s plan to raise tourism.

Mr Quinlan said Cobh hoped to carry out a similar commemoration for the Lusitania, which was torpedoed by a German U-boat in May 1915.

Kevin Murphy (FG) suggested Kinsale should be the focal point for such commemorations, as the Lusitania was sunk off the Old Head. Bodies were brought to Cobh for burial.

They were speaking yesterday at the first full meeting of Cork County Council to take place in Cobh, and Mr Quinlan added that the venue, the Commodore Hotel, was known as the Queen’s Hotel in 1912, and that several second-class passengers stayed there before boarding the Titanic.

“We have been developing a tourism product with the help of the county council,” he said. “Cobh will be central to The Gathering next year.”