Margaret Murphy

Margaret Murphy was a 25 (twenty-five) year-old Irish woman who survived the sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912. Her journey from Ireland to America, initially meant to reunite her with her fiancé, became an extraordinary tale of survival and new beginnings.

Early Life and Background

Margaret “Maggie” Murphy was born on March 17, 1887, in Fostragh, Killoe, Co Longford, Ireland. She was one of twelve children born to Michael Murphy, a farmer, and Maria Lyons. By 1911, Maggie was living at home with her sister Kate, without any stated profession.

Family History

• Parents: Michael Murphy (b. 1841) and Maria Lyons (b. 1845)
• Siblings: John, Anna Maria, Patrick, Bridget, Rose Ellen, Michael, Mary, and Kate
• Tragic losses: Two siblings died in infancy (Michael and Mary)

Journey to America

Why did Margaret decide to leave Ireland?

Margaret had previously spent several years in the USA, returning to Ireland around 1911. During her time back home, she met and fell in love with Matthew O’Reilly from nearby Cortober, Co Cavan. The couple planned to marry and resettle in the USA, but Matthew had to return to New York earlier than planned.

In August 1911, an opportunity arose when John Kiernan, an old neighbor, visited from Jersey City, New Jersey. Despite promising her mother to wait until Matthew was settled, Margaret made the bold decision to accompany Kiernan and his brother Philip to America.

“The night before the little group in our village was to leave to go aboard the Titanic, together with several other young women and men, I slipped away from my home, carrying all the clothes I could, and went to the Kiernan home, where a farewell party was being held.” - Margaret Murphy

Titanic Voyage Details

• Embarkation: Queenstown (now Cobh), Ireland
• Date: April 11, 1912
• Class: Third Class
• Ticket Number: 367230
• Fare: £15 10s
• Traveling Companions: Sister Kate Murphy, Kate Gilnagh, and Kate Mullin

The Fateful Night

On the night of April 14, 1912, Margaret experienced the terrifying reality of the Titanic’s sinking. She recalled:

1. Crewmen blocking their way to upper decks
2. Lifeboats leaving only partially full
3. Scuffles between third-class men and crew
4. Women and children praying nearby

How did Margaret survive the disaster?

Margaret, her sister Kate, and the two other Kates from Longford were rescued in lifeboat 16. In later interviews, Margaret shared a dramatic account of her rescue:

“When he heard the Titanic was doomed we all left our berths and rushed on deck. I saw boat after boat loaded with passengers while I stood trembling at the side of Mr Kiernan. He tried to cheer me, and the truth of the matter is I never thought for a moment that the steamship was going down. When both of us realised that it was, Mr Kiernan took a lifebelt off himself and assisted me in one of the last lifeboats to leave the steamship. We kissed each other goodbye and he promised to see me soon…” - The Sun (Baltimore), April 29, 1912

Life After the Titanic

A New Beginning in New York

Upon arriving in New York, Margaret was greeted by her siblings and, unexpectedly, by Matthew O’Reilly. Unaware of her plans to return to the USA, Matthew had only learned of her survival when he saw her name on a list of survivors.

Marriage and Family

On July 16, 1913, just over a year after the Titanic disaster, Margaret married Matthew O’Reilly. The couple settled in Manhattan and had three children:

Later Life

Margaret and Matthew enjoyed a happy marriage until his untimely death from cancer on April 15, 1939 - coincidentally, the anniversary of the Titanic’s sinking. Margaret never remarried and rarely spoke about her Titanic experience.

Legacy

Margaret Murphy O’Reilly’s story is a testament to the resilience of Titanic survivors and Irish immigrants in early 20th century America. Her journey from a clandestine departure in Ireland to building a new life in New York embodies the spirit of hope and determination that characterized many who sought a better life across the Atlantic.

Margaret passed away on September 29, 1957, at the age of 70 (seventy), while visiting her daughter Anna in Slate Hill, Orange, New York. She was laid to rest in the Calvary Cemetery in Queens, New York, leaving behind a legacy of survival, love, and perseverance.