Mary McGovern: Titanic Survivor’s Remarkable Journey

Mary McGovern was a 20 (twenty) year-old Irish woman who survived the tragic sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912. Her story is one of resilience, hope, and the enduring human spirit in the face of disaster.

What was Mary McGovern’s background?

Mary McGovern was born on June 7, 1891, in Clarbally, Templeport, Co Cavan, Ireland. She came from a Roman Catholic family and was the second of seven children born to John McGovern, a farmer, and Bridget McManus. Mary’s early life was spent in rural Ireland, where she grew up in a close-knit family environment.

Family and Early Years

• Parents: John McGovern (b. circa 1838) and Bridget McManus (b. December 14, 1866)
• Siblings: Patrick, John, Thomas, Francis, Philip, and Bridget
• Two siblings reportedly died in childhood

Mary first appears in historical records on the 1901 census, living with her family at house 4 in Clarbally. Interestingly, by the time of the 1911 census, Mary is not listed at the family address, and her whereabouts at that time remain uncertain.

Why did Mary McGovern embark on the Titanic?

Like many young Irish people of her time, Mary was seeking better opportunities abroad. She decided to leave Ireland to find work in New York, where she already had family connections. Her brother Patrick had migrated to America aboard the Dominion in August 1911, paving the way for Mary’s journey.

Titanic Journey Details

• Embarkation: Queenstown, Co Cork on April 11, 1912
• Class: Third Class
• Ticket Number: 330931
• Fare: £7 12s 7d

Mary boarded the Titanic at Queenstown, having traveled there by train from Ballinamore, Co Leitrim. Among her possessions was a small parcel of soil from the church of Saint Mogue, given to her by her mother as a protective charm for her journey.

Who were Mary’s companions on the Titanic?

During the voyage, Mary shared a cabin with fellow Cavan girls Kate Connolly and Julia Smyth, as well as Mary Agatha Glynn from Co Clare. These connections would prove crucial during the events that followed.

How did Mary McGovern survive the Titanic disaster?

On the night of April 14, 1912, Mary was asleep in her cabin when the Titanic struck an iceberg. Her account of the disaster provides a vivid glimpse into the chaos and fear that ensued:

1. Initially, Mary felt no alarm as everything remained silent.
2. Noise and commotion outside prompted the girls to dress and head to the communal decks.
3. They were told to retrieve their lifebelts from their cabin.
4. On their return journey, Mary saw seawater creeping up a corridor.
5. The girls fought through dense crowds to reach the upper decks.
6. Mary recalled that many lifeboats were already full or being lowered.
7. She eventually left in one of the last boats to depart the sinking ship.

Mary’s survival was a testament to her quick thinking and the bonds she formed with her fellow passengers.

What happened to Mary McGovern after the Titanic?

Upon arrival in New York, Mary was described as a 20-year-old unmarried domestic. She was initially taken to St Vincent’s Hospital where she recuperated and received financial assistance of $100 from the American Red Cross.

Return to Ireland and Later Life

• Returned to Ireland before the end of the 1910s
• Married Peter McGovern on April 11, 1921, in Corlough Parish Church
• Settled on a farm in Tullytrasna, Co Cavan
• Had two children: Hugh (b. 1923) and Mary Kate (b. 1925)
• Kept the parcel of Saint Mogue’s earth from her Titanic journey for the rest of her life

What was Mary McGovern’s legacy?

Mary McGovern’s life after the Titanic was marked by resilience and a deep connection to her community. She was well-regarded as a kind and charitable lady, and her experiences on the Titanic remained a significant part of her life story.

Final Years and Remembrance

Mary McGovern passed away on August 24, 1957, at the age of 66 (sixty-six), following a battle with stomach cancer. Her funeral attracted a large turnout, testament to the impact she had on her local community.

Mary’s headstone in Corlough Cemetery reads:

IN LOVING MEMORY OF HUGH MCGOVERN TULLYTRASNA DIED 14 MAY 1983 HIS MOTHER MARY DIED 24 AUGUST 1957 HIS FATHER PETER DIED 29 MARCH 1974

Mary McGovern’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the human experiences behind the Titanic disaster. Her journey from a small Irish village to the decks of the ill-fated ship and back to her homeland encapsulates the hopes, fears, and resilience of many Irish Titanic survivors.