Mr Maurice O’Connor

Who was Maurice O’Connor?

Maurice O’Connor was a 15 (fifteen) year-old Irish third-class passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Born on July 10, 1896, in Ballinloughane, Rooskagh, Co Limerick, Ireland, O’Connor was a general labourer who embarked on a journey to New York City that would tragically end with the sinking of the Titanic on April 15, 1912.

Early Life and Background

Family and Upbringing

Maurice O’Connor came from a humble Irish background:

Parents: Michael O’Connor (b. 1840) and Catherine Sheehan (b. circa 1853)
Siblings:
- John (b. January 16, 1893)
- Mortimer (b. April 30, 1894)
- Ellie (b. August 10, 1898)
Half-sister: Margaret Regan (b. November 2, 1886) from his mother’s previous marriage

The O’Connor family was Roman Catholic and bilingual, speaking both Irish and English. They lived in Ballinloughane, as evidenced by census records:

Year	House Number	Location
1901	32	Ballinloughane
1911	5	Ballinloughane

Interestingly, Maurice was not present during the 1911 census, suggesting he may have been working away from home at the young age of 15.

The Titanic Journey

Why was Maurice O’Connor on the Titanic?

Maurice O’Connor boarded the Titanic at Queenstown (now Cobh) on April 11, 1912, as a third-class passenger. His destination was New York City, where he planned to join his brother Michael (possibly Mortimer) who had already settled there.

Ticket and Fare Details

Ticket Number: 371060
Fare: £7 15s (7 pounds, 15 shillings)

This fare, equivalent to about £890 in today’s currency, represented a significant investment for a young labourer, highlighting the importance of this journey in Maurice’s life.

Fate During the Disaster

What happened to Maurice O’Connor during the Titanic sinking?

Tragically, Maurice O’Connor did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. At just 15 years old, he became one of the youngest victims of the disaster. His body, if recovered, was never identified, adding to the heartbreak of his family back in Ireland.

Legacy and Remembrance

While Maurice O’Connor’s life was cut short, his story serves as a poignant reminder of the many young lives lost in the Titanic disaster. As one of the numerous Irish passengers seeking a better life in America, O’Connor’s journey reflects the hopes and dreams of many immigrants of his time.

How is Maurice O’Connor remembered?

Maurice O’Connor is commemorated in various Titanic memorials and databases. His story, though brief, continues to be told as part of the larger narrative of the Titanic tragedy, ensuring that the memory of this young Irish labourer lives on more than a century after his untimely death.