How 30 young Irish women were saved in the Titanic disaster after burning their straw hats for signals, and how one of the young women accepted a life belt from her fiancé who perished as they were eloping to America, and the story of two young sisters, who fought the seamen in a lifeboat, to save their brother, struggling in the water, was told for the first time yesterday, when the 30 survivors met at the Lady of the Rosary Mission, at No. 7 State street, and received aid from the Irish immigrant society. 

Father, Michael J. Henry, the "battery pastor," was in charge of the affair, and at the conclusion of the meeting gave each young woman, $25 in cash, the gift of the Irish immigrant society. Besides, hearing the dramatic stories of the young women, a musical program was arranged and there was dancing.

Eloping girl tells story.

Perhaps the most interesting story was that told by Miss Margaret Murphy, a pretty girl with rosy cheeks and Irish blue eyes, who left her home in Fostra, County Longford, unknown to her parents, and relatives, with the intention of marrying here John Kiernan, a neighbor, who was in her party. When the critical moment on shipboard came, Kiernan gave up his life for her, when he surrendered his lifebelt to her, and saw her safely in a lifeboat. She said: – 

"The night before the little group in our village was to leave to go aboard the Titanic together with several other young women and men, I slept away from my home, carrying all the clothes I could, and went to the Kiernan home, where a farewell party was being held. At that time, I had promised to wait at home until Mr Kiehn would come to this country and make a place. Then I was going to join him.

But the thought of being separated from him, was too much for me, and I decided to run away from home.

"At the Kiernan home, I was received kindly, as we were all neighbours. At the first opportunity I told Mr Kiernan of my purpose. He reluctantly agreed. He was twenty-five years old, and I am nineteen.

"When we heard the Titanic was doomed, we left our births and rushed on deck. I saw boat after boat being loaded with passengers while I stood, trembling at the side of Mr Cannon. He tried to cheer me, and the truth of the matter is that I never thought for a moment that the steamship was going down.

"When both of us realised it was sinking, Mr Kiernan took a life belt off himself for me and assisted me in one of the last lifeboats. We kiss each other goodby, and he promised to see me soon." 

Miss Murphy could not restrain herself longer as she told the story and broke into tears. When she regained her composure, she said: –

"I saw the poor fellow, go down with the Titanic soon afterward, and I felt mightily, mean to know that I had a life built around me, which might have saved Paul John."

Miss Murphy is here at the home of her sister at number 3049[?] Olinville Avenue, the Bronx.

Sisters save drowning brother.

Another dramatic story was that told by two sisters, the Misses Agnes and Alice McCoy, who saved that brother, Bernard, after the seamen at the oars, fought him off as he struggled in the water, when the Titanic was sinking.  Between sobs, Miss Agnes McCoy recounted the harrowing experience. She said: –

"Both my sister and I wanted to remain on shipboard when they would not allow Poor Bernard to come in the lifeboat with us. He told us to go ahead, but we thought if one was going to drown we might as well all go down. We were literally thrown into the lifeboat and while we fought and cried it was lowered over the side. The boat bobbed around in the water for some time before the men got at the orders, and the first thing I knew I saw a form whirl through the air and splash into the water near our boat.

"When the form came up, I recognised it as Bernard. I tried to my sister, who was near him, then I, to help him. The poor boy took hold of the side of the boat, and I staggered to his rescue. Several persons pushed me back, and I saw a seaman, strike Bernard's hands with an oar. Then he tried to beat him off by striking him on the head and shoulders.

"It was more than I could stand, and, calling to Alice, I made for the seamen. With more strength than I thought I ever possessed, I threw the man to the bottom of the boat and held him there fast. Yes, maybe I did hit him once or twice, but I think I was justified under the circumstances. 

"In the meantime, Alice help the poor boy over the side and lifted him to safety. I think everyone on board the lifeboat was highly elated, and perfectly satisfied that our brother was safe with us. We need him with us here as any two sisters do."

Miss Mary Devaney, who is here with her sister at number 861, Sixth Avenue, told of burning her large Straw hat in the night of terror they spent on the sea in trying to attract help.