Miss Margaret Mannion

Who was Margaret Mannion?

Margaret Mannion was a 28 (twenty-eight) year-old Irish woman who survived the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Born on November 6, 1883, in Loughaunboy, Castle Ffrench, County Galway, Ireland, Margaret’s life would be forever changed by her experience aboard the ill-fated ship.

Early Life and Background

What was Margaret’s family like?

Margaret was born into a large Irish Catholic family, the daughter of Lawrence Mannion, a farmer, and Margaret Small. She was one of nine children, with siblings:

• John (born June 7, 1868)
• Thomas (born May 14, 1870)
• Mary (born February 1, 1872)
• Patrick (born December 31, 1873)
• Ellen (born October 3, 1876)
• Bridget (born February 22, 1879)
• Lawrence (born November 26, 1881)
• Celia (born April 13, 1887)

The family was bilingual, speaking both Irish and English.

What was Margaret’s life like before the Titanic?

Margaret spent her early years in Loughaunboy, Castle Ffrench, Co Galway. Census records show:

• In 1901, she lived at house 10 in Loughaunboy, described as a farmer’s daughter
• By 1911, the family had moved to house 2 in Loughaunboy

Despite being listed in census records, Margaret had no stated profession during this time.

The Titanic Journey

Why did Margaret decide to travel on the Titanic?

With her sister Mary and brother John already living in the USA, Margaret decided to join them. She purchased her Titanic ticket in the nearby village of Ballygar and embarked on her journey to America with a group led by Martin Gallagher of Currafurry.

Who were Margaret’s travel companions?

Margaret traveled with a group from the parish of Caltra, including:

• Thomas Kilgannon
• Thomas Smyth
• Ellen Mockler

Martin Gallagher, who had been living in the United States for several years, persuaded the group to travel to America during a visit to his family in Ireland. Interestingly, Gallagher and Margaret were reportedly sweethearts.

“We were all so excited about starting a new life in America. I was with the man I hoped to marry. The five of us were all very close and we couldn’t get over the style and luxury of the Titanic…” - Margaret Mannion Hopkins, 1963

What were the details of Margaret’s Titanic ticket?

The Fateful Night

How did Margaret survive the Titanic disaster?

On the night of April 14, 1912, Margaret’s life changed forever. She recounted the terrifying experience:

“I was just going asleep on the third night when there was a thud and the engines stopped. Panic set in and as we tried to run down the corridors sailors were firing shots in the air. Lifeboats were lowered as the waters rushed in as children and women were helped onto the boats. Some men tried to get on but were stopped by sailors. It was pure mayhem.”

Margaret and Ellen Mockler were assisted to the boat deck by Martin Gallagher and Tom Kilgannon and were placed in a lifeboat. As the boat was lowered, Margaret reported seeing Martin Gallagher praying with his rosary.

Life After the Titanic

What happened to Margaret immediately after the disaster?

Upon arrival in New York City aboard the Carpathia, Margaret was described as a 24-year-old domestic headed to Mrs. McGinnis at 314 West 127th Street, New York. After recuperating, she began working as a domestic.

Did Margaret stay in America?

Margaret spent seven years in New York before deciding to return home. On May 25, 1919, she arrived in Liverpool aboard the Baltic, described as a maid. She then returned to her native Galway, where she would remain for the rest of her life.

Did Margaret marry after her return to Ireland?

Yes, on October 27, 1919, Margaret married Martin Hopkins in Caltra church. Martin was a farmer from Castle Ffrench, born on November 15, 1884. The couple had three children - two sons and a daughter.

Where did Margaret spend her later years?

The family lived in:

1. The village of Lunerton, Ballinamore Bridge in Co Galway
2. From 1959, they moved to Lismany, Lawrencetown, Co Galway

Margaret and her husband were well-known and well-liked in their community.

Margaret’s Legacy

How did Margaret share her Titanic experience?

Margaret gave many interviews about her experiences over the years. In 1963, she was interviewed by RTÉ (Raidió Teilifís Éireann), the Republic of Ireland’s TV and radio broadcaster, in their first ever live broadcast from a hotel in Ballinasloe, Co Galway.

When did Margaret pass away?

Margaret was widowed on March 18, 1966. She remained in Lawrencetown until her death on May 15, 1970, at the age of 86 (eighty-six). Following a Requiem Mass at Clontuskert Church, she was buried in Chapelfinnerty Cemetery, Kilglass, Co Galway.

Margaret Mannion’s incredible story of survival and resilience serves as a powerful reminder of the human spirit in the face of tragedy. Her firsthand account of the Titanic disaster provides valuable insight into one of history’s most infamous maritime catastrophes, ensuring that the memory of that fateful night lives on through the experiences of survivors like her.