Margaret Mannion facts for kids

Margaret Mannion was a brave woman who survived the sinking of the RMS Titanic. She was born on November 5, 1883, and passed away on May 15, 1970.

Journey on the Titanic

Margaret came from Loughanboy in County Galway, Ireland. She began her journey from Queenstown with her fiancé, Martin Gallagher. Her best friend, Ellen Mockler, and Martin's friends, Thomas Kilgannon and Thomas Smyth, also traveled with them. They were all excited to start a new life in America.

A Cold Night at Sea

On the third night of the trip, Margaret and Ellen went on deck. It was very cold, and they saw large icebergs floating in the water. They soon went back to their cabin to get ready for bed.

Around 11:40 p.m., as Margaret was falling asleep, the ship suddenly jolted. This strong shake threw people across their rooms. Then, everything went silent. The ship's engines had stopped.

Panic and Escape

Margaret quickly jumped up and went into the hallway. Many other passengers were also wondering what was happening. Suddenly, a very loud siren blared, and people began to panic. A loud crashing sound then shook the ship.

Margaret and Ellen were very scared. They were in the third-class section and did not know what was going on. Water began to rise around their feet, making them desperate. Men rushed down the hallways, followed by women in their nightclothes. They broke through a locked gate. Sailors tried to stop them, but the passengers pushed past them. They desperately wanted to reach the boat deck.

When they arrived on the deck, second-class passengers were already getting into the lifeboats. The sailors had to let the third-class passengers follow.

A Lucky Escape

Margaret was very lucky to jump into one of the last lifeboats. Ellen Mockler also survived, likely in the same boat. Margaret could not see any of her male friends. She caught a final glimpse of Martin Gallagher. He was kneeling on the deck with other passengers, saying the Rosary.

A kind first-class passenger saved Margaret's life. They gave her a warm fur coat to protect her from the freezing cold. She stayed warm until she was rescued by the RMS Carpathia. Sadly, Martin Gallagher, Thomas Smyth, and Thomas Kilgannon all died in the sinking.

Life After the Titanic

After the rescue, Margaret spent seven years living in New York City. She returned to Ireland in 1919. In 1920, she married Martin Hopkins of Chapelfinnerty, Ahascragh.

In 1959, Margaret and her family moved to Ganaveen, Clontuskert. Her family members still live in that area today.