Irish Ferries Enthusiasts :: Oscar Wilde Reception

A large gathering of invited guests came together on board the luxury cruise ferry “Oscar Wilde” in Dublin Port just before midday on Tuesday 29^th January to attend the renaming ceremony of the vessel, prior to her resuming service on the Ireland – France routes on 3^rd February.

Having had an opportunity to visit all of the ship’s on-board facilities, guests gathered in the forward Merrion Lounge for the official ceremony. Following a welcome and introduction by Irish Ferries Marketing Director, Tony Kelly, Irish Continental Group Chief Executive Officer, Eamonn Rothwell spoke of the significance of the introduction of the vessel within the company’s programme of development.

Quoting from Oscar Wilde during his address, Mr Rothwell outlined the great progress made by the Group, which owns Irish Ferries, over the past 17 years. He emphasised the construction or purchase of 7 vessels over the period, “Oscar Wilde” being the latest, and involving an investment of in excess of €50 million. With a large poster to his right headlined “and the 2007 Oscars go to………..” (namely Irish Ferries) he expressed his gratitude for the support of both freight and passenger customers, the authorities of the ports into which Irish Ferries sail and to the company’s suppliers. Special mention was reserved for the ship management company DFM and above all the dedication of the staff and ships’ crews. He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to providing the only the highest level of service to its customers.

Mr Rothwell then invited Mrs Ann Reilly, wife of Operations Director John Reilly to rename the vessel. Speaking words all too familiar when a vessel is launched, and slightly adapted for the occasion, Mrs Reilly then unveiled the plaque commemorating the occasion.

Mr Kelly then introduced renowned director and actor Alan Stanford to speak about the life and works of Oscar Wilde. As one would expect, Alan gave a very entertaining and polished performance, during which he speculated that probably the last thing that the author and playwright would have expected to have named after him was a ship.

With formalities concluded, all were invited to a very well prepared lunch in the Left Bank Brasserie, prior to disembarking. On leaving the vessel each guest was presented with a copy of the Plays, Prose Writings and Poetry of Oscar Wilde, with a souvenir bookmark recalling the day’s events.

By coincidence the “Jonathan Swift” was berthed nearby emphasising the ‘literary’ theme of recent ship naming, and maybe also a couple of contrasts in terms of size and the lifestyles of the literary gentlemen after whom the ferries were named.

Shortly after 16:00, the ship broke away and sailed for Rosslare.