Long overdue - LÉ Cliona crew finally honoured

AFTER an interminable and utterly unacceptable delay, the Irish Naval Service has finally honoured the crew of LÉ Cliona and especially the courageous actions of four crew members who were presented with Scrolls of Commendation, one posthumously, in recognition of their bravery.

Astonishingly, it took the Defence Forces 54 years to stage yesterday’s ceremony in honour of the crew of the ship which nearly sank when the boiler exploded off Cork Harbour in 1962. Following a tireless campaign waged by families of the four crewmen and the support of the Irish Seamen’s Relatives Association, the long overdue occasion took place on board the LÉ Niamh at Sir John Rogerson’s Quay. Hopefully it will not take as long to erect a plaque commemorating the near fatal event at the naval base in Haulbowline in Cork Harbour.

It is incredible to think the bravery of the four seamen would probably remain unacknowledged but for the intervention of local TD Simon Coveney when he was Minister for Defence. Thankfully, he ordered a review of the case. A satisfactory if long overdue outcome.