As Covid-19 continues to cause event postponements within the local community, residents of Assumption Road can look forward to commemorating two occasions of significance in 2021.
The residential estate was due to host a day of celebration in acknowledgment of its 70th anniversary this calendar year but the persistent presence of the pandemic forced a rescheduling of the event.
While disappointment reigned upon this decision taken, the organising committee charged with the events preparation and hosting have now decided to couple the residential estate’s milestone occasion with the commemoration of the Siege of Jadotville, the 60th anniversary of which occurs in 2021.
Speaking to the Athlone Advertiser, Anthony Merrigan, Chairman, Assumption Road Residents Association, spoke of the ambitious plans to combine both anniversary occasions and looked forward to their hosting, Covid-19 restrictions permitting, in 2021.
“Unfortunately, we had to postpone the 70th anniversary celebration plans this calendar year due to Covid-19 restrictions, but now we have the opportunity to host a dual commemoration in 2021,” Anthony stated.
Assumption Road has a unique connection with the Siege of Jadotville as 13 soldiers who were involved in the military engagement during the Congo Crisis in September 1961 hailed from there.
“Assumption Road is synonymous with residents who have been or are current members of our Defence Forces and during the Siege of Jadotville in 1961, 13 of the 25 Westmeath soldiers who were involved in the military engagement hailed from the estate so, in this instance, it is only right that we honour their cause in commemoration next year,” Anthony continued.
Incorporated within the commemoration is the aspiration to unveil a memorial to all those Irish soldiers who served at the Siege of Jadotville. To that end, the Assumption Road Residents Association have established a GoFundMe page, the aim of which is to raise funds to achieve their dual commemoration goal.
“The commemoration celebrations, to take place on a designated summer weekend to be confirmed when public health guidelines allow, will incorporate on street entertainment for all family members with plans ongoing to determine a schedule of events.
“Reflecting upon the Siege of Jadotville commemoration, we aim to host a series of military displays and exhibitions with informative talks from guest speakers, Commandant Leo Quinlan, whose father, Pat Quinlan, commanded Irish troops at the Siege of Jadotville and local historian, Ruth Illingworth.
“The culmination of the commemoration will be the formal unveiling of the Siege of Jadotville memorial and will be a suitable tribute to all those Irish soldiers who served during the military engagement,” Anthony asserted.
Eagerly looking forward to the commemoration celebrations, Anthony is encouraging those who wish to financially contribute to the occasion to do so in the coming times with an initial fundraising goal of €10,000.
Those who wish to donate can do so at Athlone Credit Union, Irishtown, courtesy of digital transfer to account number 36360. BIC. ATROIE21 IBAN. IE33ATRO99102210494163.
