With a single short blast at 08.10hrs, the 90,901 tonnes MV Queen Elizabeth marked her maiden call to Cobh as she passed the town's St Colman's Cathedral this morning, writes Jehan Ashmore.

Despite the squally and blustery conditions, the 294m Cunard Line cruiseship was assisted by the tug Gerry O'Sullivan, was swung swing around in the turning basin off Cobh with the consumate skill of her master Captain Christopher Wells. She eased alongside the deepwater cruise berth fifty minutes later with the first mooring line cast off from the bow to an awaiting lines-boat at 09.00hrs, as exactly scheduled.