Ford Ireland has become a partner of the Titanic 100 Cobh 2012 centenary project with the provision of a pair of

specially liveried new Galaxy models that will be used during the year-long commemoration.

Cobh (or Queenstown as it was known then) was the last port of call for the ill-fated Titanic on April 11, 1912, when 123 passengers boarded the ship before it put out into the Atlantic ocean.  Three days later, the "unsinkable" ship sank following a collision with an iceberg in the north Atlantic.

To commemorate the visit of the Titanic to Cobh and the terrible tragedy, the Titanic 100 Cobh project has been set up and will run a packed agenda of events throughout 2012.

According to Marc Anderson, Director of the Titanic 100 Cobh project, "Cobh will be buzzing during 2012 as we commemorate this important part of the town's, and Cork harbour's history.  We are delighted with Ford's support and as the centenary date in April approaches, the two Galaxy vehicles will be very busy.  But the activity doesn't end there because, into the summer and beyond, our programme of events means that the cars will be familiar sights on the roads around Cobh and its environs right
til the end of the year."

Eddie Murphy, Chairman and Managing Director of Ford Ireland said: "The Titanic is an important part of Cobh and Cork's history so it is fitting for Ford, with our historical Cork roots, to be involved in the Titanic 100 Cobh project.  In addition to providing these vehicles for use during the year, we are also sponsoring a novel Titanic themed short film competition for budding film-makers."

Entitled 8 Minutes: The Ford Short Film Competition, Entrants are invited to produce an 8 minute short film inspired by one of the themes of Titanic. 12 finalists will be given the opportunity to showcase their work to the wider film industry and the general public at a great family evening out at Fota House Cobh on Saturday June 9th.  On the night, one overall winner will be chosen and will receive the use of a Ford Fiesta for a year, fully fuelled, taxed and insured. Visit www.8minutes.ie  for more information.