Name roundabout after Dermot O’Brien
AN ARDEE councillor wants the town to play its part in the celebration of Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann 2019 with the naming of a roundabout after musical legend, Dermot O’Brien.
Local councillor Dolores Minogue wants the naming ceremony to take place on the weekend of the Fleadh so as many visitors as possible could come and celebrate the life of the 1957 All-Ireland winning captain.
Speaking this week, his son, Ronan, said the family would be ‘very honoured’ by such a gesture.
‘ That people still respect him is wonderful. We are very proud of daddy and anything that recognises him is great to see.’
He said Dermot was very proud of the Irish language and tradition.
Addressing last week’s area council meeting in Ardee, Cllr Minogue felt the Saturday of the Fleadh opening weekend might be the occasion for the event and it could turn into a real celebration day to remember the great man.
‘ This would be a fitting honour for him because we might not get the Fleadh back in Louth for years. I have spoken to the traders about a mini Fleadh day and I believe it’s an idea that can be teased out,’ she stated.
She also wants the funding for an arts project - which will come with the new bypass - to go towards a statue of Dermot O’Brien.
However, it was decided to defer the motion to a later date after Cllr Jim Tenanty indicated that there is already a committee who want to honour Dermot O’Brien and another Ardee person. He said the committee were not in favour of the roundabout plan. He also said traders and the business community wanted to sponsor roundabouts and maintain them.
‘I spoke to Dermot’s family and they are delighted with the idea,’ Cllr Minogue stated, her seconder for the motion, Liam Reilly, adding that he didn’t know there was a committee.
Cathaoirleach Pearse McGeough said more thought should go into the motion with Cllr Minogue to talk to the committee.
She agreed to defer it but is still keen for it to go ahead.