A commemorative plaque has been unveiled to honour a Galway soldier fatally wounded while serving on a peacekeeping mission in Lebanon over 45 years ago. Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Mike Cubbard has joined members of the family of the late Private Stephen Griffin to unveil the stone plaque which has been erected adjacent to Bóthar Stiofáin, Rahoon, which is named in his honour.
Pte Griffin was just 21 years old when he was fatally wounded on April 7, 1980, at At Tiri, South Lebanon. He had been serving there with the 46th Infantry Battalion. He was the first Irish soldier killed by hostile action on UNIFIL service.
A newly installed stone plaque was unveiled at a commemorative ceremony on Sunday last, which was supported by Galway City Council and the Irish Defence Forces. Defence Forces chaplain Fr. Paul Murphy said a prayer at the event, which was attended by representatives of Renmore Barracks and some of Pte Griffin’s former colleagues from Collins Barracks in Cork, where he had been based.
Speaking at the event, Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr. Mike Cubbard said it is fitting that the plaque has been installed to remember the sacrifice of Pte Griffin.
“I am honoured to have been invited to unveil this plaque, along with members of the Griffin family, on behalf of the people of Galway. Many people throughout the city, particularly in Stephen’s home area of Rahoon, remember his tragic passing. This plaque will now keep his memory alive and help younger generations to learn about his sacrifice and the positive impact and legacy left by Stephen and other Irish peacekeepers.”
“In recent weeks and months, we have seen stark reminders of the dangers faced by our peacekeepers in Lebanon. This plaque also reminds us of the positive contribution and legacy of Ireland’s Defence Forces personnel and their peacekeeping missions in Lebanon and elsewhere, over many years.”
Speaking on behalf of the family, Stephen’s sister Áine said “We are very grateful that this plaque has been erected in memory of Stephen. It will help ensure that he will be remembered for years to come, and I want to thank all of those who have helped to make this possible.”
“Recent months have reminded us of how peace is uncertain. Our family are very conscious of all peacekeepers, and particularly those who, like Stephen, made the ultimate sacrifice while endeavouring to protect it.”
“We want to thank those who attended this event, including friends, family, elected representatives, army personnel and Stephen’s former colleagues.”
The stone plaque has been installed during ongoing works on the Bóthar Stiofáin Active Travel Scheme, which is nearing completion. The erection of the plaque had been requested by Galway City Councillors during the planning phase for this project. The active travel works on Bóthar Stiofáin are funded by the NTA and the government’s Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF )and the project is being delivered by Galway City Council’s Active Travel Department.
Private Stephen Griffin’s siblings Michael, Mary, Siobhain, Catherine, Seamus, Padraig, Aine, Tommy and Gabrielle alongside Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr. Mike Cubbard, at the unveiling of the commemorative plaque in his honour.
