Preserving a piece of modern history in Granard
Last month marked the anniversary of one of the most defining incidents in contemporary American history.
Twenty two years ago the September 11 attacks on the US by members of al-Qaeda had ramifications that reverberated right up to today.
The most devastating of the repercussions of the four hijacked planes was the destruction of the Twin Towers of the World Trade Centre in New York City.
In the aftermath of that attack the actions of emergency services was a testament to all who put their lives on the line to respond to tragic events.
Many Irish names were among the roster of service personnel.
Last week Knights and Conquests, Granard received a very special donations to their community heritage centre that is a direct link to that moment in history.
Battalion Chief Daniel P Sheridan of the New York Fire Department donated a number of 9/11 World Trade Centre Recovery artefacts; including boots, coat, respirator, safety vest and hand tool.
Deirdre Orme of Knights and Conquests took possession of the items. A piece of steel from one of the twin towers that collapsed on September 11, 2001 will also be donated to the Granard Heritage Centre.
“Battalion Chief Sheridan has roots in Granard,” Cultural advisor with Knights and Conquests Robert Pakenham told the Leader, “His family hail from the parish. He was visiting local man John Kiernan. He brought over the items to donate to the parish.”
Robert explained that the 9/11 artefacts will help develop the offering of the centre:“Knights and Conquests acts as the heritage centre of the area. So anything that is linked to local heritage has a natural home in the centre.
We are looking to develop a 'famous people of Granard' section. We hope to display the uniform as part of our parish's greater history.
“It's the whole uniform of those who served on that tragic day. For the moment it does look a little out of place, but the plans are in train to have it displayed in an appropriate setting,” Robert explained.
FDNY Battalion Chief Sheridan has strong links to the area and traces his bloodline back to the Kiernan family of Barrack Street.
Manager of Knights and Conquests Deirdre Orme was delighted with the donation: “The 9/11artefacts truly are a lasting legacy and testament to a most courageous gentleman.
“John Kiernan was on hand when we gratefully accepted the donations to our Granard Heritage Centre,” Ms Orme said of the generous donation to the centre.