Miss Mary Mullin

Who was Mary Mullin?

Miss Mary Mullin was an 18 (eighteen) year-old Irish passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Born on August 31, 1893, in Clarinbridge, Co Galway, Ireland, Mary was a third-class passenger who embarked on the Titanic at Queenstown. Her journey ended tragically when she perished in the sinking of the great ship on April 15, 1912.

Early Life and Background

A Comfortable Upbringing

Mary Mullin came from a relatively affluent Roman Catholic family in Ireland. Her parents, Redmond Mullin and Delia Hynes, ran a successful public house and shop in their village. Mary’s childhood was marked by financial comfort, which was unusual for many Irish families of that time.

• Born: August 31, 1893
• Birthplace: Clarinbridge, Co Galway, Ireland
• Parents: Redmond Mullin (father) and Delia Hynes (mother)
• Siblings: 5 known siblings

Tragedy Strikes Early

Sadly, Mary’s father passed away on September 17, 1893, when she was less than a month old. Despite this early loss, the family’s financial stability was ensured by the substantial estate her father left behind, valued at £10,690, 16s, 1d - a considerable sum for the time.

Education and Family Life

Mary’s upbringing reflected her family’s status:

• Attended Loretto Convent, a boarding school in Rathfarnham, south Dublin
• Family residence: House 3 in Clarinbridge (as of 1911 census)
• Earlier residence: House 4, Hillpark, Clarinbridge (1901 census)

The Titanic Journey

How did Mary Mullin end up on the Titanic?

Mary’s path to the Titanic was paved with romance and rebellion. In 1912, her family hired a 20-year-old shop assistant named Denis Lennon. The two young people fell in love and made the daring decision to leave Ireland for a new life across the Atlantic.

A Change of Plans

• Originally booked to travel aboard the Cymric
• Coal strike forced a change in plans
• Boarded the Titanic at Queenstown as third-class passengers

Ticket and Travel Details

A Dramatic Departure

Mary’s elopement with Denis was not without drama. Her brother Joe, possibly accompanied by their mother, reportedly chased the couple all the way to Queenstown. In a shocking twist, Joe was said to be carrying a loaded firearm, demonstrating the family’s fury at the young couple’s actions. However, the pursuit ended in failure as they reached the dock too late to stop Mary and Denis from boarding the Titanic.

Fate During the Disaster

What happened to Mary Mullin on the night of April 14-15, 1912?

The exact details of Mary’s final hours are unknown. As a third-class passenger, her chances of survival were significantly lower than those in the upper classes. Tragically, both Mary Mullin and Denis Lennon perished in the sinking of the Titanic.

Their bodies, if recovered, were never identified.

Legacy and Unanswered Questions

The story of Mary Mullin is one of youthful love, rebellion, and ultimately, tragedy. Her tale serves as a poignant reminder of the many lives cut short by the Titanic disaster.

What became of Mary’s family?

The fate of Mary’s family in Ireland following the disaster remains a mystery. The impact of losing a daughter in such a high-profile tragedy must have been devastating, yet the historical record falls silent on their subsequent lives.

A Link to Titanic History

Mary Mullin’s story, while tragic, provides a unique perspective on the third-class passengers of the Titanic. Her tale of love and attempted elopement adds a human element to the disaster, reminding us that behind each name on the passenger list was a person with hopes, dreams, and a story of their own.