The formal unveiling of a Siege of Jadotville memorial culminated a weekend of celebrations in Assumption Road as community members, both past and present, united to celebrate the 72nd anniversary of this prominent Athlone residential area.
Numerous family themed events, organised by the Assumption Road Residents' Association committee, took place over the duration of the weekend, the unveiling of the Siege of Jadotville memorial being the focal point of the anniversary celebrations on Sunday afternoon.
The memorial was unveiled to acknowledge the 13 soldiers who were residents of Assumption Road and fought in the Siege of Jadotville.
The 13 soldiers were among a group of approximately 150 Irish troops who were deployed to protect the town of Jadotville in 1961, the UN fearing widespread bloodshed when part of The Congo, known as Katanga, declared independence.
Coming under attack from Katangese military forces for numerous days, the outnumbered Irish troops managed to defend their post for a period of time before lack of water and supplies left the soldiers, under the guidance of Commandant Pat Quinlan, with no option but to surrender. The soldiers survived more than 30 days in captivity before their release was secured on October 25 1961.
In 2017, the soldiers and the families of deceased members of the infantry were presented with medals honouring their bravery and courage.
Leo Quinlan, the son of Commandant Pat Quinlan, was present to unveil the memorial in company with Cllr Vinny McCormack, Mayor of Athlone-Moate Municipal District.
Welcoming those present to the unveiling, Anthony Merrigan, chairperson, Assumption Road Residents' Association Committee, noted that 13 soldiers were recorded as having served at the Siege of Jadotville and it was only fitting that their service be formally acknowledged with the unveiling of a memorial in their honour.
A total of 13 soldiers from Assumption Road are recorded to have served at the Siege of Jadotville and in reflection of their service, Irish national flags were placed outside their respective homes, the highest single number of soldiers from any street in any village, town or city in our country to do battle in the Siege of Jadotville.
"They were Pte Frances Paul Malone, commonly known as Pte Paul Malone, Sergeant Martin McCabe, Pte Paddy Conlon, Pte Peter O’ Callaghan, Pte Matthew McGrath, Corporal Christopher Roache, Corporal Michael Lynch, Sergeant Tommy Kelly, Pte Joe Relihan, Pte John Hughes, Sergeant John Monaghan, Corporal John McManus, commonly known as Butch McManus and Pte Donal Purtill," Mr Merrigan commented.
The chairperson reflected upon the historical link between the numerous residents of Assumption Road, both past and present, who have served with the Irish Defence Forces.
"In the earlier years of Assumption Road, 72 young married soldiers were registered in this residential area. A second generation from Assumption Road, 110 sons of these soldiers and others whose fathers were not in the army, enlisted here in Custume Barracks, Athlone, while Sergeant Eamon Wykes also had 10 sons serve with him at the local army barracks," Mr Merrigan remarked.
Due gratitude was afforded by Mr Merrigan to all those who contributed to making the occasion a reality, the large numbers who attended the weekend's events testament to the diligent efforts of a hardworking committee.
Stating his "honour" of being present to address those present at the unveiling, Cllr Frankie Keena, commended the work of a "resilient committee" (of which he was a member ), noting the importance of Custume Barracks to Athlone, both historically and in modern times.
"Today, we are marking two major events, the 61st anniversary of the Siege of Jadotville and the 72nd anniversary of Assumption Road.
"It is a great honour for me to address you all here today for the unveiling of this memorial to commemorate those 155 Irish soldiers of the A Company 35th Battalion for their heroism and bravery during the Siege of Jadotville in 1961.
"Over the decades the Defence Forces has served Athlone extremely well, many soldiers locating here and raising their families. It is so important that Custume Barracks regains its higher status within the Defence Forces and I hope that the final outcome of the Commissioners Review on the Defence Forces will deliver for our town.
"The houses in Assumption Road were constructed in 1950, the first residents who moved into the estate being predominantly army families. Thus, it is not surprising to know that 13 soldiers from Assumption Road took part in the Siege of Jadotville, this is the single largest number of soldiers from any street in Ireland.
"The community spirit in Assumption Road is exceptional, the residents always looking out for and supporting one another. A more recent example of this voluntary spirit was evident earlier this week when residents en masse were preparing Assumption Road for this weekend's anniversary celebrations.
"Today, we have residents not just from Assumption Road but from adjoining estates such as Tormey Villas and St Kieran’s Terrace joining us to mark these two special occasions.
"This event did not just happen by chance, but it took a lot of planning and meetings by a very hard working voluntary committee ably led by Anthony Merrigan. I was delighted to have been invited to help out.
"The financial support provided towards this event by Westmeath County Council and local businesses is very much appreciated and I also wish to commend, in particular, both Ollie Dillon and Sean Flynn for their memorial site contributions, the result being that we now have a beautiful memorial as a location for reflection, prayer and remembrance of those brave soldiers who took part in this Siege of Jadotville," Cllr Keena concluded.
