Memorial to military

“I SUPPOSE I’m the only one here qualified to speak on this issue,” said Cllr Joe Malone (FF) at Monday night’s Kilkenny Borough Council meeting in relation to a proposal to build a memorial to local people who died in wars and on peace-keeping duties.

Cllr Marie Fitzpatrick (Lab) and Cllr Malcolm Noonan (Green) were aghast at the statement as both have had family members who served in the defence forces. “I used to play football up in the barracks when there were only three soldiers there,” Cllr Fitzpatrick said.

Cllr Malone said he was the only member of the council to have served on overseas missions. “I was in the Lebanon on three occasions and I think it’s fitting we have a memorial to members who served overseas. I think it is high time we had a memorial too and I think Ballybought Street would be a fitting site.” Cllr Betty Manning said she had proposed and received unanimous support for such a memorial at an earlier meeting this year. Cllr Malone’s motion was seconded by Seán Ó hArgáin (Lab).