‘Last Irish warship built in Ireland’ leaves Cork Harbour for final time

“From countless patrols safeguarding our waters, to providing Humanitarian Search and Rescue in the Mediterranean, and forging friendships with navies around the world in the diplomatic role, LÉ Eithne’s legacy is etched in the hearts of all who served onboard her,” the Naval Service said.

“Her departure marks the end of an era, but her spirit will forever remain a part of our naval heritage.” 

LÉ Eithne was the last Naval Service ship built in Cobh’s Verlome Dockyard and went into service in 1984. Two years later she became the first Irish warship to cross the Atlantic. It was decommissioned in 2022. 

The LÉ Eithne sailed out of Cork Harbour at 1pm today for its final voyage.

The Naval Service added: “To the personnel, who have served onboard her, called LÉ Eithne home, to those that supported and maintained her, to family and friends who supported our operations, we extend our deepest gratitude. Your courage and commitment have made Ireland proud.

As we watch her depart, let us remember the countless memories, friendships, the challenges overcome, and the many lives touched by her service. 

“Though she may no longer grace our shores, LÉ Eithne’s story will continue to inspire future generations.

“Fair winds and following seas, LÉ Eithne. You will be missed, but never forgotten. Slán agus go raibh maith agat.”

Retired vice-admiral Mark Mellett, who was Ireland’s highest ranking military officer until his retirement in September 2021, called the LÉ Eithne a “remarkable ship with technology well ahead of her time” and “the last Irish warship built in Ireland”.

The adjunct professor at University College Cork (UCC) and decorated for his role as captain of the LÉ Orla which intercepted the drugs boat Brime off the south west coast in 1993, Mr Mellett tweeted: “In 2005 she was in the top 50 great places to work. A credit to the thousands of women and men who served onboard. A ship does not make a crew – a crew makes a ship!”

This year, the strength of the Irish Naval Service fell to a new low of 722 amidst an ongoing staffing crisis.

Cork County Council had written to the Minister for Defence in recent years asking that LÉ Eithne be retained in Cork as a monument, rather than scrapped or sold. These plans never came to fruition.

It’s believed that it wasn’t sold on as the Government were keen to avoid the embarassment over the sale of the LÉ Aisling, which eventually ended in the hands of Libyan warlord General Khalifa Haftar. 

The auction achieved just €110,000 for the State and after going through the hands of companies in Holland and the UAE it was purchased by Haftar for a reputed €1.3m.