Built as a ro-ro ferry under yard No 33/979 by Verolme Dockyard Ltd., Cork, Ireland for the British & Irish Steam Packet Co. Ltd. (B&I), Dublin, Ireland.
07 November 1980 launched as the LEINSTER.
Tonnage 6,807 grt, 3.250 net, 1.050 dwt. Dim. 122.0 x 18.6 x 5.0m. (draught).
Powered by four MAK diesel engines, 18,000 bhp, twin shafts, speed 21 knots.
Accommodation for 1500 passengers, has berths for 510 persons and parking place for 326 cars.
03 July 1981 delivered to owners.
03 July 1981 used in the service between Dublin and Liverpool across the Irish Sea. Her first commander was Capt. Gerald Barry.
But the service was going in decline and by increasing competition from shorter routes, the company began losing money.
1982 B&I announced that she and her sister CONNACHT would be used to make also round trips every day between Dublin and Holyhead in addition to their Liverpool crossings.
The first sailing was by the LEINSTER on 06 April 1982, with on board 60 passengers and 8 cars.
1986 She underwent a major refit most of her cabins were removed by Seaforth Welding in Liverpool and a new Super Rest Lounge with Pullman style seating forward, also a new lounge bar was created, the restaurant became a self service free flow cafeteria. From the cabins only 15 two berth cabins and 256 berths in two and four berth standard cabins retained.
1987 The closure of the service to Liverpool was announced, and the LEINSTER was used only in the service between Dublin and Holyhead.
03 May 1993 she was switched to the Rosslare to Pembroke service, and after a refit was she renamed in ISLE OF INISHMORE.
In 1992 B&I was already sold to the Irish Continental Group. The B&I name finally put to death on 1 January 1995 when the whole operation came under the Irish Ferry banner.
24 October 1995 came in collision with the quay in Rosslare during a strong wind. Sailed to Falmouth for repairs.
05 November 1996 renamed in ISLE OF INISHTURK.
22 March 1997 made her last sailing in the service between Pembroke Dock to Rosslare.
March 1997 Laid up in Le Havre, France.
November 1997 sold for IR£6.25 million to the Canadian Government
07 June 1997 sailed from Le Havre under the new name MADELEINE and Canadian flag bound for Halifax. In Canada she will replace the 32 year old ferry LUCY MAUD MONTGOMERY in the 77 mile long service on the St Lawrence between Souris, Prince Edward Islands to Cap aux Meules.
She will be managed by the Cooperative de Transport Maritime (C.T.M.A.)
2001 Her homeport is Saint John’s.
2010 In service same name and owners, IMO No 7915228.
Ireland 1986 28p sg643, scott?
Source: Navicula. Sea Breezes March 1997 page 213-216. Marine News 1998/291.