Sir, - Timothy Fanning's concluding comments, in his review of Senan Molony's book The Irish Aboard Titanic (Books, July 22nd), has generated considerable comment among our members. Was Titanic too painful to remember because she was the output of a "loyalist" shipyard, a symbol of empire and a reminder of emigration from these shores? Is this why it has taken so long for Titanic to be recognised in the Republic as part of Ireland's social history?
Perhaps a more likely explanation rests with the fact that as a nation, though surrounded by water, we have had little encouragement to take an interest in our maritime heritage and publications on the subject have been few and far between.
In 1956 Walter Lord's book A Night To Remember, which inspired Belfastman Bill McQuitty's film of the same name, resurrected worldwide interest in the subject. However, it is only in recent years that the Irish side of the story has received quality coverage and Molony's book is rapidly becoming the bible for those interested in the passengers who boarded the liner at Cobh (Queenstown).
As a society we are interested in researching how Titanic was perceived in this country in the years following the disaster and would welcome your readers' insights on the matter. All letters received will be acknowledged and the findings included in our journal. - Yours, etc.,
Ed Coghlan, Chairman, The Irish Titanic Historical Society, The Anchorage, Coast Road, Malahide, Co Dublin.