The destruction of Thomas Willie Joe Mac Giolla Bhríde’s memorial bench drew ire from locals in Gaoth Dobhair over Christmas but the community rallied for the restoration work, which has since been completed

A marble bench in memory of a local man vandalised in Machaire Gathlán over Christmas has been restored.

The destruction of Thomas Willie Joe Mac Giolla Bhríde’s memorial bench drew ire from locals in Gaoth Dobhair over the holidays. However, locals all chipped in to do their bit, with the work now completed.

Words from the song 'Céad Slán leis an Oileán' are engraved on the bench, which holds a very special place in people's hearts in the community.

“We have to thank Newbridge Memorials for supplying the stone and engraving the stones for us, for a second time, free of charge,” Independent Councillor Micheál Mac Giolla Easbuig told DonegalLive. “Carole Sailor, Sabba Curran from the Gola Island Ferry Service, Gillespie Ready Mix Concrete and of course the family of Willie Joe.”

placeholder image — “We have to thank Newbridge Memorials for supplying the stone and engraving the stones for us, for a second time, free of charge,” Independent Councillor Micheál Mac Giolla Easbuig told DonegalLive. “Carole Sailor, Sabba Curran from the Gola Island Ferry Service, Gillespie Ready Mix Concrete and of course the family of Willie Joe.”

There are seven seats erected to date, offering views of Bád Eddie and out towards sea and islands and Mac Giolla Easbuig has urged locals to make contact if they are interested in developing the project.

He added: “The seats were erected to allow older people and those who have difficulty walking long distances the joy of walking along their coast safe in the knowledge they can sit at resting points every 100 or 150 yards.

"These people walk along the coast and look across at the islands. Some of these people are getting older. We must lend these people a helping hand by ensuring they can walk along the coast as they have always done and look out across the sea to their island homes. It’s something we would like to add to, so if anyone would like to get in touch with me on 085-8042050, please do, or contact Carole Sailor or Sabba Curran.”