‘This is coming home for me today’ – Joe Malone pays emotional tribute to Kilkenny Defence Forces
More coverage in next week’s edition of the Kilkenny People
“This is coming home for me today” – those were the emotional words of Kilkenny County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Joe Malone as past and present members of the Defence Forces were honoured at a special Civic Reception in James Stephens Barracks.
Hosted by Cllr Malone, the event recognised the Defence Forces for their decades of service and assistance to ‘civic power’ in a range of ways, including during extreme weather events and in support of members of An Garda Síochána.
Brigadier General Stephen Ryan, who previously served at the barracks, was a special guest at the reception and received a personalised scroll in recognition of his service in the locality.
Cllr Malone, himself a former soldier, was visibly moved meeting colleagues from times gone by.
“This is coming home for me today,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mayor of Kilkenny City, Cllr Andrew McGuinness, also paid tribute to a force that “remains a source of immense pride.”
“In many households, joining the Defence Forces is not simply a career choice, but part of a family story,” Mr McGuinness commented.
More to follow on Kilkenny Live/Kilkenny People