Ceremony in honour of fallen soldier

A WICKLOW MAN who died while on duty in the Congo will be remembered at a special ceremony this weekend.

Post 21 of the Irish United Veterans Association (IUNVA) will hold the sixth annual remembrance and wreath-laying ceremony for Corporal Michael Nolan, pictured, at St Oliver Plunkett’s Church in Grangecon at 12.15 p.m. this Saturday, September 9. Family, friends and ex-comrades of the late Cpl Nolan will be in attendance, along with a number of local politicians, senior army officers and An Garda Siochana. Members of Post 21 will be joined by members of other IUNVA posts, the Organisation of National Ex-Service Men and Women, the 3rd Battalion Association and other groups as they pay their respects to their fallen comrade.

Fr Ger Ahern and Rev Mairt Hanley will lead the prayers at the Ecumenical Service while Cllr Edward Timmins, cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, will give an address and lay a wreath on behalf of the people of Wicklow.

Cpl Nolan was killed 56 years ago on September 15 in Elizabethville and is one of two men from Wicklow to die in the Congo, the other being Mick McGuinn from Baltinglass.

Cpl Nolan grew up in Colbinstown and went to school in Grangecon National School (now the community hall). He is still remembered fondly by his school friends, particularly John O’Toole who is involved with Tidy Towns in the village.