Galway city councillors have voted unanimously to approve a memorial in Eyre Square for the late Ronnie O’Gorman, founder of the Galway Advertiser newspaper.
After positive recommendations from the local authority’s Civic Commemorative Committee and the city heritage officer, councillors approved a plan to erect a commemorative bench to honour Mr O’Gorman.
“We’re delighted with the decision,” said son Ben O’Gorman, on behalf of the O’Gorman family. “Our dad had his first job as a waiter in the Great Southern on Eyre Square, and then spent most of his adult life looking out from his office in the Advertiser at the top of Eyre Square.”
City councillors of all parties praised the immense contribution Mr O’Gorman made to Galway city, both as a publisher, and patron of the arts.
Councillor Mike Cubbard shared an anecdote that when he was mayor during the Covid pandemic lock down, it was impossible to have his photo taken with children who submitted pictures to the Advertiser’s annual Christmas Art Competition.
“Ronnie insisted each picture was to be photographed with the mayor instead, and a letter posted out to each child,” he said. “A true gentleman.”
“Ronnie made an enormous contribution to the concept of ‘Galwayness’ through his passion for the arts, and for the provision of a platform through which diverse voices could be heard,” said Declan Varley, editor of the Galway Advertiser. “He was a Galwayman through-and-through, who saw nothing but good in the city and its potential.
“I hope this bench will provide a comfortable resting place for those enjoying the heart of the city; a vantage point from which all can be observed and cherished,” he added.
