A drawing of a smartphone, a picture of a cyclist and a ‘Visit Clare’ branded cup are among the items buried at Shannon Airport today.
A time capsule has been placed in the ground in front of the Clare base this afternoon to mark the 80th anniversary of the first scheduled transatlantic passenger flight.
One eye is looking to the past while the other is fixed on the future at Shannon Airport today.
Staff members and local residents have gathered to celebrate the DC-4 aircraft operated by American Overseas Airlines which touched down at Shannon on October 24th 1945 – making it the very first scheduled transatlantic passenger flight.
To mark the occasion, a time capsule has been buried on the grounds of the facility featuring contributions from the local business community, schools and disability services.
These includes a child’s drawing of a smartphone to represent contemporary technology, a photo of a cyclist on the Limerick Greenway to reflect Ireland’s changing transport landscape, and a branded cup from Visit Clare to acknowledge local tourism initiatives.
Among the schools to participate was St Conaire’s in Shannon.
These pupils have taken great delight in picturing how the world will look in a few decades and how their lives will change.
Their teacher, Muinteoir Amy, says it’s been a positive experience and has allowed them to think outside the box.
The capsule is now sealed and is set to remain in the earth in front of the airport until 2105 – 80 years from now and 160 after the first transatlantic flight.
Shannon Airport Group Commercial Director Vanessa McTigue is hopeful the facility will still be an intrinsic part of the community at the time of the capsule’s opening.
