RONAN FAGAN
Reflecting the positive impact of the late Sr Bernard within the local community, Athlone Town Mayor, Cllr Aengus O’Rourke, has proposed the renaming of a road in her honour.
Addressing the most recent sitting of the Athlone Moate Municipal District on Monday afternoon, Cllr O’Rourke, implored the support of his fellow public representatives and Council executive for the renaming of The Docks road (to the rear of Sean’s Bar ) to Sr Bernard Quay.
“The road which goes from the archway at the town bridge to beyond the docks is know as ‘The Quay’, it is also referred to as The Docks. In my opinion ‘The Quay’ is a weak place name and a suitable renaming is justified. I am proposing to rename the road ‘Sr. Bernard Quay’.
“I was very lucky to know Sr Bernard, we often confided in each other about a vast range of issues and she had a very keen interest in politics.
“Soon after I became Mayor last year, she wrote me a lovely note wishing me luck and enclosed a prayer stone which I always have with me and will always cherish.
“Individuals will remember Sr Bernard as a kind, gentle and generous person. Her faith in God drove her on every day and Ss Peter and Paul church was her second home.
“Athlone, was Sr Bernard’s adopted town for over 50 years, she was a teacher all her working life. However, in retirement, she continued to dedicate the last 30 years of her life to helping individuals in many ways.
“Sr Bernard loved life and she was active to the very end. Active helping people in whatever way she could. She has done more for individuals than we will ever know, but one thing I do know is that Sr Bernard was one of the most obliging, generous and selfless people I have ever met.
“Sr Bernard gave so much to Athlone, I’m only sorry we didn’t make the time to recognise or acknowledge her work before she passed away.
“However, I am proposing that as a mark of respect to this wonderful lady and in recognition of her immense contribution to Athlone, that we rename the The Quays in her honour.
“I am proposing that we rename this prominent street, the street on which she lived, that runs from the Luan Gallery to beyond the Docks, Sr Bernard Quay.
“This proposal will go out to the public for their consideration. Public consultation is required when a street is being named or renamed as in this case, but I am hoping that the public will agree with my proposal to rename this prominent street ‘Sr Bernard Quay’ in memory of a truly wonderful person,” the Town Mayor stated.
Further route names proposed
The Town Mayor further proposed the naming of alternative routes within Athlone during the virtually hosted meeting.
“From the junction of Retreat Road/Retreat Mews/Killyon Hill (mini roundabout ) to the new Garrycastle roundabout, I am suggesting that this route be named Cartrontroy Road.
“Wash House Road is my named suggestion for the route between the Garrycastle roundabout and the ‘wash house turn’ roundabout, while Altown Link Road, I believe, is an apt named proposal for the route from Garrycastle roundabout to Altown roundabout (over the greenway bridge ).
“I a suggesting that the route from Altown roundabout to Cornamaddy roundabout be named Marconi Way given this road’s close proximity to the Moydrum Transmitter station.
“We also have an opportunity to commemorate Dr Jim Keane who was President of the Irish Rugby Football Union at the time of his death. The old rugby ground on the Ballymahon Road was known as Dr Keane Park before it was demolished and relocated. Dr Keane lost the honour 25 years ago when the old rugby ground was demolished, so I believe it is now appropriate to reinstate such an acknowledgement of his community contribution now.
“In that regard, I wish to propose that the route from Ballymahon Road (Coal Bunker junction ) to Plunkett Road (mini roundabout near An Post SDS ) be named in his honour.
“Finally, I propose that the walkway commonly known as ‘The Golden Mile’ be renamed ‘Ranelagh Way’,” Cllr O’Rourke concluded.
Acknowledging Cllr O’Rourke’s route naming suggestions, Ms Jackie Finney, District Manager, stated that such proposals would be placed in the public domain for a period of four weeks with relevant submissions being brought before the July sitting of the Athlone Moate Municipal District.
