Click the photograph for my online gallery.
Pam and I had the emotionally moving experience of Cóbh Heritage Centre on May 29, 2014. This statue stands outside the Cóbh Heritage Centre, on the quay from which thousands of Irish emigrated from what was then Queenstown. My father’s mother, Elizabeth Wills nee Duffy, left from here April 28, 1898.
These are the words on the plaque:
“Annie Moore and her brothers Anthony and Phillip embarked from this town on 20 December 1891 on the S.S. Nevada. Annie was the first person to be admitted to the United States of America through the new immigration centre at Ellis Island, New York on 1 January, 1892. This sculpture was unveiled by the President of Ireland, Mary Robinson on 9 February, 1993. It was erected by Cóbh Heritage Trust Ltd. and is dedicated to all who emigrated from Ireland.
This sculpture won the Zeneca Ireland Ltd. commemorative sculpture award . A statue of Annie Moore was also erected at Ellis Island, New York. The commemoration of Annie Moore at New York and at Cóbh was initiated by the Irish American Cultural Institute.
This sculpture is the work of Jeanne Rynhart of Bantry.”
Click to visit the previous post in this series, “The Old Aghameen School.”
Copyright 2021 Michael Stephen Wills All Rights Reserved
Michael Stephen Wills Photography 
I never knew about this sculpture. [and I used to live on Long Island, NY] Thank you for the history lesson.
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The New York Statue was installed on Ellis Island in the 1990’s. I’ve not been there myself. We were lucky enough to experience Annie Moore and her brothers in County Cork, Ireland, that spring day three years ago. Thanks for visiting.
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We want to get to Ellis island one day where my grandparents came in from Europe. It is on my bucket list.
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And New York City and the Statue of Liberty. We’ve never made it to Ellis Island, would like to hear of your experience when it happens.
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I was in Ireland in July and was lucky enough to visit Cobh (locals said it’s pronounced “Cove”) and see this beautiful statue. I then visited the Titanic museum. Very moving experience.
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Thanks for stopping by, Kathy….Cobh was a moving experience for us, as well.
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Learned of Annie Moore from a song the Three Irish Tenors sang awhile ago. Didn’t know she had traveled with her brothers. We visited Ellis Island prior to the 90’s, so missed the statue. The song was Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears. Thanks Ireland for giving us a start here in the US. Being the way things are here…
Can I come home now?!😆
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If you have documentation of a grandparent of Irish birth it is possible to obtain an Irish passport.
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We loved our visit to Cobh and the Heritage Museum. We could have spent all day there. Did not know about Annie Moore until our visit. Irish tenor Emmet Cahill sings it beautifully.
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We learned so much from the immersive experience of the Heritage Museum, everyone interested in their Irish roots should spend at least a morning there.
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I am originally from County Clare on the West coast of Ireland. Ennistymon is my birthplace. I was educated by the nuns at the Convent of Mercy Ennistymon. Left Ennistymon when I was 18 and a half years old. Got 9 honours in my Leaving Certificate, which was a very high standard. Came to England. I worked in a Pharmacy in Parkway in Camden Town and qualified as a pharmacist. It was the most interesting job I ever did.
Got married and had a beautiful daughter who I named Elizabeth after my mother R I.P. I then went to University to study Psychology and gained a PHD.
I worked in Harley Street, London W1 for many, many years. I had to take early retirement due to ill health.
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Some major accomplishments were build upon your education in Ennistymon, Mary. Thank You for your story.
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If I ever make it to New York City, Ellis Island is on the list of places to visit. A few of my ancestors wandered through there. I will be sure to find and look at the statue. Thanks.
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That will be enjoyable, to find it. We’ve been to the Statue of Liberty, never Ellis Island.
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Very good post; do you know this song? It’s about Annie Moore and the other emigrants:
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Wonderful sculpture and lovely story to go with it. It must have been quite emotional for you to visit that place.
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I have reams of images the incredible museum. I only know for sure my mother and grandparents left from Belfast.
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Thank you for making us discover this beautiful and moving work.
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My pleasure, Lazuli
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Great photograph and a nice bit of history. I certainly appreciate the knowledge. All the best to you Michael,
FBC.
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