How the Jeanie Johnston made it to sea
1993 Replica first proposed with a budget of €5.5 million
1998 Construction work scheduled to start with the plan to sail in 2000. Sponsors are FÁS, Shannon Development, Tralee Urban District Council, Elan and the Government
May, 1998 The President, Mrs McAleese, officiates at a keel-laying ceremony
May, 2000 Vessel launched
June, 2000 The Government gives €2.5 million grant
November, 2000 Announcement that vessel will not be ready for sea trials until spring, 2001. Cost now estimated at €12.7 million
March, 2001 Shannon Development decides not to support the rescue package
April, 2001 Another €2.5 million grant brings State funding to €9.8 million
June, 2001 Ship fails the Department of the Marine inspection for the second time and the transatlantic trip is cancelled
July, 2001 The project faces first court case
February 7th, 2002 High Court orders the arrest of the ship
February 8th, 2002 State funding withdrawn
February 19th, 2002 Billy Timmins TD says that bringing the ship to Arklow is the only move that'll save the project
April, 2002 First sea trials
June, 2002 Declared seaworthy
July, 2002 Kerry County Council cancels plans to abandon the project following intervention by Kerry Group plc
August, 2002 The Minister for the Marine says serious concerns remain with the project
October 26th, 2002 Creditors vote for a proposed financial rescue plan
November, 2002 An investigation into why the project cost €14 million when the ship is only worth €2 million is announced
December, 2002 High Court approves financial rescue plan
January 14th, 2003 Leaves Dublin for Belfast on maiden sail-training voyage