25/06/2026
𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗮𝘀𝗶 𝗠𝗮𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗮𝗹𝗶 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝘁𝘀 "𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗕𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀" 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗸, 𝗜𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 – 𝟮𝟯 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲
The Cork Pravasi Malayali Association, a leading Indian community organisation, hosted a poignant memorial and remembrance event, Humanity Beyond Boundaries, on 23 June 2026 at 5:00 p.m. in the Main Auditorium of Cork University Hospital (CUH). The event brought together healthcare professionals, public representatives, diplomats, community leaders, and family members to honour the memory of those who lost their lives in a tragedy that deeply impacted both Ireland and India.
The event was honoured by the presence of several distinguished dignitaries who addressed the gathering, including:
· Deputy Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Tony Fitzgerald
· His Excellency Mr. Manish Gupta, Ambassador of India to Ireland
· Ms. Jackie Ellis, Representative of the Embassy of Canada
· Deputy County Mayor, Cllr. Michael Looney
· Mr. Andy Philips, Regional Executive Officer HSE South West
Deputy Lord Mayor Cllr. Tony Fitzgerald recalled his personal experience of the tragedy, having worked at the hospital at the time. The speakers highlighted the importance of international friendship, community resilience, and the collective commitment to remembrance and learning from the past.
A particularly moving segment of the programme featured personal reflections from individuals directly involved in the response to and aftermath of the tragedy. Speakers included:
· Dr. Michael Molloy, Former Physician, Emergency Department
· Mr. Dan Collins, Mortician
· Mr. Tony Dawson, Bord Fáilte (Irish Tourist Board)
· Ms. Sheila Wall, Former Assistant Director of Nursing, Emergency Department
· Mr. Kevin O'Connor, Undertaker
Their heartfelt recollections transported attendees back to 1985, offering a powerful reminder of the compassion and dedication shown during that difficult time.
Participants also viewed a special video message from Mr. Finbarr Archer, caretaker of two victims’ graves in Blackrock Cemetery, whose longstanding dedication has become a symbol of remembrance and compassion.
Representing the families of the victims, Mr. Sanjay Lazar delivered an emotional address, expressing heartfelt gratitude for the continued support, compassion, and remembrance shown by the Irish community over the years. He also shared his vision of establishing a museum in Ahakista as a lasting symbol of humanity and remembrance. The proposed museum would preserve and display artefacts related to the tragedy, while documenting the experiences of the victims' families and the many individuals involved in the rescue, recovery, and support operations, ensuring that their stories continue to educate and inspire future generations.
A significant highlight of the event was the presentation of a commemorative memento to Cork University Hospital by His Excellency Mr. Manish Gupta, recognising the exceptional care, professionalism, and humanity demonstrated by CUH staff during a challenging period. Mr. Damian McGovern Chief Operating Officer, CUH and Ms. Helen Cahalane, Director of Nursing, CUH have received the memento for Cork University Hospital.
The programme concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Binu Thomas, Secretary of Cork Pravasi Malayali Association. In his remarks, he expressed the profound gratitude of the Indian community in Ireland for the exceptional care, compassion, and professionalism demonstrated by Cork Regional Hospital and its staff in the aftermath of the 1985 Air India tragedy. He also acknowledged the contributions of all speakers, dignitaries, the families of the victims, volunteers, and attendees whose participation helped make the event a meaningful and memorable tribute to those who lost their lives, while celebrating the enduring bonds of friendship between Ireland and India.
