The Canadian government has presented three gifts at three locations in recognition for the help the Irish people gave during the Air India disaster 21 years ago.
Air India flight 182, from Toronto and Montreal to London, plunged into the sea off Cork on June 23rd, 1985, when a terrorist bomb exploded in a cargo hold. More than 320 people were killed, the majority Canadian citizens
The Canadian ambassador to Ireland, Mark Moher, represented his country yesterday at the gift offerings in Bantry, Cork University Hospital and Cork County Hall.
In Bantry, a plaque was unveiled in front of the town hall, a second plaque was presented at Cork University Hospital and an Inukshuk statue, a native Canadian sculpture, was placed in the foyer of the Cork County Council building.
An annual commemoration is held in west Cork where a sundial designed by Ken Thompson marks the closest landfall to the site of the disaster.
Mr Moher said the gifts were part of Canada's continuing appreciation to the Irish people and to Cork for its help during the recovery operation.
"The significance of the day from the Canadian government perspective is that we lost 329 people in an act of senseless terrorism and violence. We have remembered them over the last 21 years and this year is of importance as we are trying to say in a very sincere way, to institutions and the people of Ireland, thank you.
"Thank you for the efforts you made, thank you for continuing to remember. We think it is very important to recognise the Irish people for what they did for us over the last 21 years," Mr Moher said.
One of the most moving ceremonies was at Cork University Hospital, where the bodies had been brought. Many retired gardaí and medics returned to the hospital where they helped to identify the dead.
Tony Long, deputy general manager of Cork University Hospital, recalled horrific weeks.
"It can be an emotional day for staff. I was just here a week when it happened, I was totally immersed in it for two months. It was a case of all hands on deck at the time. It is something I will never forget."
Mayor of Co Cork John O'Shea and Mayor of Bantry Aiden McCarthy, thanked the Canadian government for the "warm gesture".