“In times before Aer Lingus or Ryanair had become the common ways of transport, the mail boat had a special place in the sorrows and joys of the people of Dublin."

“I make a heartfelt appeal to the international community to react decisively and quickly to see to it that such tragedies are not repeated" - Pope Francis.

When the ship began to sink, Fr Byles was offered a lifeboat place several times but he refused, staying to help, hear confessions and pray with those still on board.

Archbishop Martin asks that proceeds be directed towards relief efforts for two disasters.