Public discussion needed on plan to rename Mohill street in honour of Dr Muldoon

A proposal by Cllr Des Guckian to rename a street in Mohill in honour of the memory of Dr Patrick Muldoon, who was murdered 100 years ago in the town will now go back to the local community for consideration.

Proposing the change at the recent Carrick-on- Shannon Municipal District meeting, Cllr Guckian noted that Dr Muldoon had been “cruelly murdered” on March 18, 1923 leaving his wife Rita and four young children. His widow was unable, Cllr Guckian added, to secure justice for her husband and his killer was never tried for his crime.

The shooting arose from a scandal where Aughavas priest Fr Edward Ryan impregnated his housekeeper and the resulting cover-up cost Dr Muldoon his life.“He was only 32 years old when he was brutally murdered and shot like a dog by a psychopath,” noted Cllr Guckian.

He said that Dr Muldoon had lived on the street just down from the present day Baxter’s Supermarket and he said it would be a fitting tribute to rename this street in his honour. Cllr Thomas Mulligan, who is a relative of Dr Muldoon, said that while he appreciated the sentiment of the motion, he had been unaware of any such proposal.

He also said that the chair of the local committee behind the Dr Muldoon memorial weekend earlier this year, had not mentioned any plans to change the street name adding this proposal had not come up at any local historical society meetings.

He said he felt it would be better to hold a public discussion at the various committees in Mohill  and “if the feeling comes out strongly (for this) we can set it in train”. 

“I fear that if we put this through today (at this MD meeting) without public discussion, it would be a rash decision,” he said.

Cllr Enda Stenson said he could totally understand where the motion “has come from” but he agreed that it should be discussed at local level first. Other councillors also agreed this would be the best course of action.

Cllr Guckian said he was not happy with this decision and said he was “afraid Dr Muldoon and his tragic death has been sidelined.” Cllr Mulligan said he was not against the proposal but again said he felt the need for more public consultation.

“I’m not saying it shouldn’t happen but I would like to see it would be properly discussed at a local level first”.

Cathaoirleach Cllr Sean McGowan said that they would try and get local feedback before the June or July meeting and would ask interested parties in the Mohill area for their views on the proposal.