Missing Irish Tall Ships a sad absence

I WENT to visit the great fiesta of the Tall Ships in Waterford last weekend.

However, like the majority of the citizens of Ireland, I was disgusted to note the ‘no show’ of our splendid tall ships. Namely, the Dunbrody, just a few miles away up the river in New Ross, and the Jeanie Johnston moored like a ‘wallflower’ in the Dublin docks.

The crews of the 45 visiting ships must be amazed to note the absence of at least one tall ship flying our tricolour at the stern of the ship.

Whatever organisation is responsible for this fiasco should be totally ashamed of their behaviour on this great occasion. As a former merchant seaman, I am terribly upset.

Waterford has brought off this coup for the second time.

Now Cork Harbour Board, the Chamber of Commerce and other interested organisations should campaign for the return of the Tall Ships to Cork after an absence of 20 years.

Bill Foley

Blarney

Co Cork