The story of Irish Shipping Ltd which was established by the Irish Government in March 1941, and went into liquidation in 1984, is told in a new book entitled ‘Irish Shipping Ltd – A Fleet History, which was launched last night in Hotel Rosslare, overlooking Rosslare Harbour.

Around 400 people turned up for the launch and there was widespread praise for the quartet of authors – Brian Cleare, Brian Boyce, Leo Coy and John Boyce – who were researching the work for almost five years.

Capt. Jim O’Leary, who started his sea-faring career with Irish Shipping and ended his days as Master on Irish Ferries, performed the official launch.

The company which operated 51 ships during its 43 years of existence, was set up when the foreign-owned ships used for imports, which had met deep-sea shipping needs prior to the outbreak of World War II in 1939, were withdrawn from the Irish trade and employed in the service of their own countries.

The first Board of Directors included James Stafford, Managing Director, Wexford Steamships Co. Ltd, and large numbers of Wexford mariners were employed on the ships which sailed around the world.

There is a book signing this afternoon from 4 pm in The Book Centre, Wexford, and further launches will take place next week in Cork and Dun Laoghaire.