The sinking of the the Cunard Liner the Lusitania on May 7th 1915 resulted in the deaths of 1,198 of the 1,959 people aboard. It was torpedoed off the Old Head of Kinsale County Cork, by the Germans during World War I.

Many of the victims were brought to Cobh and many are interred in the Old Church Graveyard near Cobh town. The monument, which is in Casement Square in the town centre, designed by Jerome O'Connor commemorates those who died in the tragedy. It depicts two fisherman who went to the rescue of the ill fated liner. Over them is the Angel of Peace.

The event turned public opinion in many countries against Germany, contributed to the American entry into World War I and became an iconic symbol in military recruiting campaigns of why the war was being fought.