Appeal for return of Ceannt 1916 memorial

The city’s heritage officer has called for the return to the façade of Ceannt Station, a missing 50-years-old plaque that commemorates a local hero of the 1916 Easter Rising.

The plaque honours Éamonn Ceannt, the Galway republican who was involved in 1916 after whom the city’s railway station is named.

It was unveiled in 1966 at the 50th commemoration of the Rising, by Josie O’Keefe, a member of Cumann na mBan.

The commemorative plaque was displayed outside of Ceannt Station but was removed about a year ago and hasn’t returned.

Galway City Council Heritage Officer, Jim Higgins says that the plaque should be returned to its original position in time for the 100 year celebrations next year.

A member of the Galway 1916 Commemoration Committee, Vincent Forde, has also asked that the plaque is found and returned to its rightful place on the wall outside the station.

Mr Higgins said the plaque is of historical and heritage importance to Galway and it should be returned in time for 2016. He has raised the matter with CIÉ, who own the train station.

“I’m not sure when or why it was taken down but I think it should be put back,” said Mr Higgins.

“It is a plaque that has a certain heritage and historical importance to Galway and it should be displayed where it was unveiled and where it was intended to be displayed.

“I’m not having a go at CIÉ but it is a protected structure and there are just two stumps where the plaque should be. It would be nice that it is returned and put back up where it was unveiled and where it was intended to be displayed for eth people to see.

“I also think that they should put up a sign saying ‘Ceannt Station’ on the façade for the commemorations,” he said.

Mr Higgins says there is a plaque of the 1916 proclamation on the platform inside Ceannt Station, which is fine, but the Éamonn Ceannt plaque should be put back outside.

Mr Higgins is compiling a list of the events that are being planned for 2016 by various groups and he hopes to publish it on the Council’s website.