Denis Lennon

Who was Mr Denis Lennon?

Mr Denis Lennon was a 20 (twenty) year-old Irish general labourer who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Born in 1891, he was a third-class passenger aboard the ill-fated ship, embarking on a journey that would lead to a heartbreaking end to a budding romance.

Early Life and Family

A Longford Native

Denis Lennon was born on December 9, 1891, in Currycreaghan, Ballymahon, Co Longford, Ireland. He came from a farming family, with his father William Lennon (born 1846) working the land and his mother Bridget Mullin (born circa 1853) tending to their household.

Siblings and Family Life

Denis was one of seven children born to William and Bridget, though only six survived. His siblings included:

• Eliza (born April 4, 1888)
• William (born July 22, 1889)
• Bridget (born August 21, 1890, lived only one day)
• John (born October 27, 1893)
• Anne Maria (born April 8, 1897)
• Kate (born September 30, 1898)

The Lennon family resided in house 12 in Currycreaghan, as recorded in both the 1901 and 1911 census records.

Career and Love Story

From Farm to Shop

While Denis grew up on a farm, he didn’t follow directly in his father’s footsteps. By 1911, he had moved away from home and was working as a shop assistant in Clarinbridge, Co Galway.

A Fateful Meeting

During his time in Galway, Denis lived with the family of Delia Mullin. It was here that he met Mary, Delia’s 18-year-old daughter who had recently left convent school. The two young people fell deeply in love, setting in motion a series of events that would lead them to the Titanic.

The Titanic Journey

A Change of Plans

Denis and Mary had originally planned to travel to America aboard the Cymric. However, a coal strike forced a change in their plans, leading them to book passage on the Titanic instead.

Embarkation and Ticket Details

• Embarkation Point: Queenstown
• Ticket Number: 370371
• Ticket Cost: £15, 10s
• Class: Third Class

A Secret Departure

In a twist worthy of a romantic novel, Denis and Mary boarded the Titanic under the names Denis and Mary Lennon, attempting to conceal their true identities and relationship.

The Pursuit and Tragedy

A Brother’s Fury

Mary’s brother Joe, possibly accompanied by their mother, reportedly chased the couple all the way to Queenstown. Joe was said to be carrying a loaded firearm, his anger fueled by the couple’s attempt to elope. However, they arrived at the dock too late to prevent Denis and Mary from boarding the Titanic.

The Fateful Night

On April 15, 1912, Denis Lennon, along with Mary Mullin, perished in the sinking of the Titanic. At just 20 (twenty) years old, their lives and their love story were cut tragically short. Their bodies, if recovered, were never identified.

Legacy and Family Aftermath

While Denis and Mary’s story ended in tragedy, life continued for the Lennon family in Currycreaghan. Denis’ father, William, lived until June 20, 1929, passing away from senility. His mother, Bridget, survived a bit longer, dying on May 19, 1931, from influenza.

The tale of Denis Lennon and Mary Mullin serves as a poignant reminder of the many personal tragedies that unfolded during the Titanic disaster, each one a story of hopes, dreams, and lives cut short on that fateful night in the North Atlantic.