GRANGECON’S HEROIC SOLDIER REMEMBERED

THERE was a large turnout in Grangecon last Saturday for the annual remembrance ceremony for the late Cpl Michael Nolan.

Organised by Post 21 IUNVA (Irish United Nations Veterans Association) the ceremony and wreath laying served to remember the life of Cpl Nolan, who was killed in action in the Congo at the age of 23 during Ireland’s first major military deployment since Independence.

He died trying to save his colleague Tpr. Patrick Mullins in 1961 when the armoured car he was travelling in came under attack by rebel troops.

The ceremony was attended by relatives of the late Cpl Nolan as well as member of the IUNVA National Executive, Post 21 and other Posts as well as members of the Organisation of National Ex Service Men and Women (ONET), Royal British Legion, the American Legion, the local community and political representatives.

The wreath laying which took place at St Oliver Plunkett’s Church was preceded by a parade through village.

ON Saturday several wreaths were laid to honour Cpl Nolan. the

In 2012 a commemorative memorial stone was installed in Grangecon which has been cared for by the Nolan family who have also taken on the responsibility of planting the surrounding area.

Michael’s remains are interred in the army plot in Glasnevin beside his comrades who died at Niemba in November 1960. Tpr Mullins[‘ body was never found.

Many ideas and their outcome should be discussed as a basis of such a project.

As a pretext to the plan, the impact on the local population, environment, and the possibility of catastrophic failure should be examined and discussed. Finally a compromise, using local research and studies of similar constructions elsewhere would be reached.

I personally do not believe this has happened because the planners have not presented findings from any studies or test cases, let alone years of research.

Underpinning The 19 Arches Any attempt to underpin the arches and deepen the floor by one metre could have catastrophic consequences leading to the collapse of an arch or indeed the whole bridge. This is a job that could not and should not be rushed. Under current health

Members of Post 21 of the Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA) at the ceremony in Grangecon on Saturday.

Cllr Tommy Cullen, cathaoirleach of Baltinglass Municipal District, laying a wreath.

Rev Mairt Hanley and Fr Ger Ahern.

Michael Nolan lays a wreath in memory of Corporal Michael Nolan (left), as Daniel Noal waits his turn.