Poignant Laois memorial unveiling in Castletown

Some photos of the recent event taken by Jim Fennelly.

placeholder image — Some photos of the recent event taken by Jim Fennelly.

Three children who died in a Christmas Eve fire among those remembered in replacement monument to 21 local people

The people of Castletown gathered in recent weeks for the unveiling of a memorial to 21 local children and young people who lost their lives in various and often tragic circumstances over two decades between 1981 and 2001.

The event was made even more poignant by the fact that the new monument replaces a memorial that was robbed by heartless thieves just a decade after it was erected.

Tonie Ryan was one of those involved in the replacement project. His son Stephen, who died in a car accident, was among those remembered in the original.

The first monument was driven by former PP Fr Edward Rhattigan. It was designed in shape of tree which had lost a branch to symbolise the young people whose lives had been cut short. The location by the river was chosen by Fr Rhattigan as a place where young people could play and enjoy themselves. It was originally erected in 2001 but was robbed in 2011. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Picture: Jim Fennelly

Toney said the original cost about €30,000 to install. While the copper and brass only had a scrap value of about €2,000, he said it was 'priceless to the community'.

“When it was taken the families were devastated," Toney told the Leinster Express / Laois Live. People spoke about putting it back but nothing happened for a period but about four years ago, Michael Grehan, the parent of three children who were lost in a fire on Christmas even in 1991, mentioned it to me,” he said.

This suggestion caused Toney and some friends to act while they were reforming the Castletown Vintage Club of which he is now chairman. Five club members apart from Tonie had relatives remembered on the original. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

“One of our first fundraising ideas suggested by Seamus Cuddy was to replacee the monument,” he said.

Toney said their first task on the journey was to get agreement from families for a new monument.

“People were so overwhelmed that they were moved to tears when they were told about the replacement,” he said.

Fundraising began with two vintage runs in May and August 2023. The substantial funds raised were added to by donations from Castletown Parish and the Castletown and Slieve Bloom GAA clubs. Local businesses also supported.

The committee decided on a stone monument partly to reduce the risk of another theft. It was supplied by Ryan monumental works in Roscrea. A stainless steel plate was provided Trevor Brennan by Irish Dairy Services in Portlaoise.

Toney complimented Mr Brennan on the work put into what he said was a "wonderful piece". At about €3,000, the new monument has not cost as much as the original, but for Toney it is a 'priceless' replacement.

All was ready to go last October but the weather intervened so the official unveiling did not happen until May this year. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

So, on Sunday, May 12 families and local people gathered for the official unveiling and blessing by Fr Brian Dowling, current PP of the memorial on the banks of the River Nore.

Toney remarked on the mixed feelings shared by all at the unveiling.

“It would have been a wonderful day but it would also have been a sad day because of the memories of the young people who died.

“Lots of people would not have thought they would live to see a replacement installed,” he said.

While all those who are remembered on the memorial are sorely missed, perhaps the most pain was endured by the parents of the three Grehan children from Gash, whose three young children, lost their lives in a 1991 Christmas Eve fire.

Michelle, Michael and Siobhan were aged between three and seven when they died after a fire engulfed their home.

Toney says their parents Michael and Breda attended the May event. MOR BELOW PICTURE.

“On the day of the unveiling, we had a rose for every person on the plaque. One member of every family brought a rose for their loved ones and Breda and Michael brought up the roses united for their children,” he said.

Toney reflects philosophically on getting over the loss endured by all the families.

“You get on with it learn to live with because there is nothing else you can do. Ill feeling is not going to bring a child back,” he said.

He said the new monument helps families to cope and the loss of the original hit some hard.

“Numerous parents said that when they were passing the site of the original after it was stolen they could not loook without being moved to tears. Now they can look and smile and that is a good thing because it helps the emotional side of a human being to operate without getting hurt,” he said.

RTÉ's Nationwide attended the May event as the programme also covered the opening of the original monument.