Canal Square will be the likely location for a monument to honour Kilkenny’s soldiers, the Borough Council heard this week.
On what Councillor Sean O hArgain described as ‘an historic night’ for Kilkenny, Town Clerk Brian Tyrell outlined plans for the monument. It will acknowledge people from Kilkenny who have served in armies at home and abroad – including those who fought in British regiments during the Great War.
Councillor Sean O’hArgain said that the monument’s construction would be an historic act.
“I think this is a hugely significant day,” he said.
“I doubt that there has ever been a discussion of this issue in this chamber before. For a long time it was ignored – it was put aside for fear of creating divisions, or for fear of recognising that those divisions exist.”
Earlier in the year, an ad hoc committee was established to progress the war memorial project. The committee, which includes Councillors Betty Manning and Joe Malone, as well as members of the Defence Forces, has met on a number of occasions since.
Town Clerk Brian Tyrell said that a number of different factors had been taken into account regarding the proposed structure.
“A number of options and locations were mooted with the intention of coming back to Kilkenny Borough Council in due course,” he said.
According to Mr Tyrell, the final idea was a limestone base, plinth and plaque, with appropriate lettering – and a representation of a soldier on the base. The most likely location for the monument will be Canal Square, close to John’s Bridge.
Councillor Joe Malone, himself a former member of the Defence Forces, said he was delighted that the monument would be going ahead.
“I think this would be a fantastic tribute to our soldiers,” he said.
“A lot of work has gone into this, so we need to make sure it’s put in a place that it is secure, where it won’t be vandalised. On behalf of Fianna Fail, I would like to say ‘well done’ with this.”
Cllr Paul Cuddihy said that it was important for people to understand the past.
“We have to acknowledge our history – and not just the bits that we are comfortable with,” he said.
“And this is not to celebrate war. I would hope that whatever memorial is put up, it is respectful of all traditions.”
James Stephens Barracks curator, Lt Larry Scallon gave a short presentation to the council, documenting some of Kilkenny’s contributions to various military engagements since 1801. These range from the Boer War, and World War I, right up to present day UNIFIL operations.
In some cases, these men excelled.
Five Kilkenny men have been decorated with the Congressional Medal of Honour – the highest military accolade awarded to soldiers in the US army.