Cork County Council joined families, dignitaries and the wider community yesterday to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Air India tragedy at the Ahakista Memorial in West Cork. The solemn ceremony honoured the 329 lives lost when Air India Flight 182 was brought down off the coast of Cork on 23 June 1985, in what remains the worst aviation disaster in Irish and Canadian history.
The annual commemoration began with a minute’s silence at the memorial monument, followed by moving tributes from victim’s families through chanting and readings from Christian and Hindu representatives. The ceremony served as both a tribute to those who perished and a reminder of the enduring bonds between Ireland, Canada and India.
Family members laid wreaths alongside prominent attendees including Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Mayor of the County of Cork Cllr. Joe Carroll, Canadian Minister of Public Safety Gary Anandasangaree, and Indian Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri. Representatives from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Naval Service, An Garda Síochána and local community members also participated.
Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Joe Carroll said:
“Today, we come together to remember those whose lives were so tragically cut short and to stand in solidarity with their families. This memorial in Ahakista is a symbol of our community’s commitment to honouring their memory and ensuring that their loss is never forgotten.”
Taoiseach Micheál Martin reflected:
“Forty years on, we remember the 329 innocent lives lost in the skies above Ireland. Today, we gather in solidarity with the families of those who were aboard Air India Flight 182. While we are brought together in sadness on this occasion, we also recognise the deep bonds of friendship that have grown between our communities and nations.”
Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Moira Murrell added:
“Cork County Council is honoured to continue supporting this memorial, which holds such significance for families, friends, and communities on both sides of the Atlantic. Is le mothú domhain sollúntachta agus le machnaimh a dhéanaimid onóir dóibh siúd a fuair bás, agus dóibh siúd ar athraíodh a saol go deo ag an tragóid seo. Go bhfaighe siad síocháin agus sólás.”
[Translation: It is with a deep sense of solemnity and reflection that we honour those who have passed away, and those whose lives have been forever changed by this tragedy. May they find peace and comfort.]
Also in attendance were Indian Ambassador to Ireland Akhilesh Mishra, Canadian Ambassador to Ireland Dennis King, Minister of State Jerry Buttimer TD, and Canada’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Bob Rae.
The Air India Memorial at Ahakista continues to draw visitors from across the world, standing as a poignant reminder of the importance of remembering the past while working towards a more peaceful future.