The first official reception for the families bereaved by the Tuskar Rock Aer Lingus disaster on March 24th, 1968, will take place on the 28th of this month and will be hosted by Aer Lingus.
A company spokesman confirmed last night that a reception would be held after a Mass celebrated by the Bishop of Cork and Ross, Dr John Buckley. The event will honour the 61 victims and their families.
Ms Clare Healy, who lost her father Desmond Walls, an official at the Whitegate refinery, said relatives were thrilled that Aer Lingus had agreed to bring them together.
While many of those who lost loved ones in the crash had come together before, this was the first time they would meet as guests of Aer Lingus.
Ms Healy hoped as many people as possible would hear of the special commemorative Mass and the reception.
It is understood, too, that Aer Lingus may fly Ms Bonnie Ganglehoff, a Texan who lost both parents on the flight, to Cork for the occasion.
The Mass will take place at noon at the North Cathedral in Cork on March 28th.