Mr Philip KIERNAN

Who was Philip Kiernan?

Philip Kiernan was a 22 (twenty-two) year-old Irish general labourer who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. Born on January 24, 1890, in Fostragh, Ballinamuck, Co Longford, Ireland, Kiernan was a third-class passenger embarking on a journey to America that would ultimately end in disaster.

Early Life and Family Background

A Large Irish Family

Philip Kiernan came from a sizeable Irish family:

• Parents: John Kiernan (b. 1840) and Catherine Kelleher (b. 1843)
• One of 11 children, with 10 surviving siblings
• Notable siblings included:
  • Mary (b. May 3, 1868)
  • Anne (b. June 3, 1870)
  • Bridget (b. October 30, 1872)
  • Catherine (b. January 18, 1875)
  • Bernard (b. May 17, 1880)
  • Margaret (b. August 19, 1883)
  • John Joseph Kiernan (b. October 24, 1885)
  • Ellen (b. April 24, 1894)

Life in Fostragh

Philip’s early years were spent in Fostragh, Ballinamuck:

• Appeared in the 1901 census at house 2 in Fostragh
• Listed in the 1911 census at house 15 in Fostragh
• Described as a “farmer’s son” in the 1911 census

The Decision to Emigrate

Why did Philip Kiernan choose to leave Ireland?

Several factors influenced Philip’s decision to emigrate:

1. Family connections in America
2. His brother John’s return visit to Ireland
3. Opportunity for a better life

Philip’s brother John, who worked as a barman in Jersey City, New Jersey, had emigrated in 1904. When John returned to Ireland in August 1911 for an extended visit, Philip decided to accompany him back to America, seeking new opportunities and a fresh start.

The Titanic Journey

Boarding the Ill-Fated Ship

Philip Kiernan boarded the Titanic at Queenstown on April 11, 1912, as a third-class passenger. His ticket details were as follows:

Traveling Companions

Philip was not alone on his journey:

• Shared a cabin with his brother John and Thomas Joseph McCormack, believed to be a cousin
• Traveled with a large group from Co Longford, including:
  • The Murphy sisters (Catherine and Margaret)
  • Kate Gilnagh

The Fateful Night

What happened to Philip Kiernan during the Titanic’s sinking?

The events of April 14-15, 1912, were recounted by survivor Thomas Joseph McCormack:

“When the Titanic first struck the iceberg I was in my stateroom preparing to retire. I heard the crash as the ship struck the ice and at once hurriedly dressed and ran on deck, followed by my cousin, Philip Kieran, of Jersey City… It was brotherly love that cost ‘Phil’ his life. As he was hurrying toward the deck his brother John called to him to go on, that he would be there in a minute. As we reached the stairs Philip looked around, and not seeing his brother, started to return to look for him. I kept on and did not see either of them again…”

This poignant account highlights Philip’s selfless nature and the tragic consequences of his devotion to his brother.

Legacy and Remembrance

The Aftermath of the Disaster

Philip Kiernan’s story ended tragically on April 15, 1912:

• Died in the sinking at the age of 22 (twenty-two)
• His body, if recovered, was never identified
• His brother John was also among the lost

Philip Kiernan’s tale serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the human cost of the Titanic disaster. His sacrifice, returning to search for his brother, exemplifies the strong family bonds and selfless actions that were displayed by many during that fateful night. Today, Philip is remembered as one of the many victims of the Titanic, whose stories continue to captivate and move us over a century later.