Mark Rhode putting the finishing touches to his sculpture of the Bow of the Titanic. Photo: courtesy Michael Coleman Whitethorn Studios.

Saturday, 28th January 2012, was another memorable day in the history of RMS Titanic's association with Ireland's Titanic Village. A new excuse was coined in Lahardane: "Sorry I'm late. I was travelling behind Titanic". Lahardane is busily preparing for the centenary of Titanic's fateful maiden voyage when fourteen from Addergoole parish were steerage passengers, and eleven perished when the big ship hit an iceberg back in April 1912 and sank some two hours later.

Just before midday on Saturday Mark Rode's 12ft sculpture of Titanic's bow arrived. The ship's name and its huge anchors are clearly visible on the splendid bow. Michael Garrett, Joseph Reilly, Mark Rode and others skilfully positioned the bow on its final mooring base in the Addergoole Titanic Memorial Park at the centre of the village.

The Sculpture arrives in Lahardane. Photo: courtesy Michael Coleman Whitethorn Studios.

Placing the large piece on its plinth in Lahardane. Photo: courtesy Michael Coleman Whitethorn Studios.

Installing the memorial plaques with Addergoole's Titanic story, and the effigies of the parish's Titanic travellers will be the next tasks, so that all is completed in the village for the Mayo Titanic Cultural Week.

Participate in Mayo's Titanic activities. Don't miss Ballina Drama Society's Titanic play "Names upon the Water" at the Ballina Arts Centre, 3rd - 7th April.

Ireland's Titanic Village (courtesy KM Noone Photography)

Come to Lahardane during the Mayo Titanic Cultural Week, 8th - 15th April.

Visit www.mayo-titanic.com for updates on the Mayo Titanic Cultural Week.