The Irish Polish Society presents a talk by distinguished historian, Gabriel Doherty, University College Cork, on a refugee crisis in Ireland,1949-51.

On 30 September 1949, the Victory, a WWII ship, stopped for repairs at Cobh. The ship held 400 refugees fleeing Communist rule in eastern Europe. The plan was to sail to Canada but it was inconceivable that the over-crowded vessel could safely make the journey. The Irish government detained the ship, crew and passengers.

This presentation examines the background to the journey, the reception the refugees received in Ireland, and the evolution of Government policy when confronted with an unexpected crisis.

No booking required.