"It is arguably more important than ever to remind the people of the evils of fascism" - Kildare County Council urged to commission memorial to Irish Republican fighter

Frank Conroy was only 22 years of age when he was killed in action during the Spanish Civil War. Photograph credit: Kildare Library Service via ‘On The Trail of Frank Conroy’ by James Durney

placeholder image — Frank Conroy was only 22 years of age when he was killed in action during the Spanish Civil War. Photograph credit: Kildare Library Service via ‘On The Trail of Frank Conroy’ by James Durney

Kilcullen native Frank Conroy was killed in 1936 while fighting Franco-led forces during the Spanish Civil War

A local councillor has urged Kildare County Council (KCC) to commission "a suitable memorial" in memory of an Irish Republican fighter.

Sinn Féin Cllr Noel Connolly made the request at the latest Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District meeting, which took place on Wednesday, February 18 last.

He explained that he wanted KCC to commission the structure in Kilcullen, in order to commemorate the 90-year anniversary of the death of International Brigadier Frank Conroy (He also submitted his motion as Gaeilge).

Cllr Connolly's motion was seconded by Social Democrats Cllr Chris Pender.

BRIEF HISTORY OF FRANK CONNOLLY

Elaborating on his request, Cllr Connolly gave a brief account of Conroy's life to KCC — he said that Conroy was a native of Kilcullen who had travelled to Spain in order to fight for Spanish Republicans against Nationalist forces, which were led by the infamous General Francisco Franco, during the Spanish Civil War.

The war, which spanned from 1936 until 1939, resulted in a victory for the Nationalists, and Franco became the country's dictator until his death in 1975. Following this, Spain adapted a transitional monarchy.

"Frank was only 22 when he was killed in action alongside eight other Irish men," Cllr Connolly said. "Their efforts have been documented since then, including through the Christy Moore song, 'la Quinta Brigada'."

He added that it would be "fitting" for the late soldier's hometown to be the site of the memorial.

Concluding his points, he told KCC: "It is arguably more important than ever to remind the people of the evils of fascism."

RESPONSE

Replying to Cllr Connolly's motion, KCC said via the report it presented at the meeting: "KCC's Civic Memorial Policy sets out the process and criteria by which the council will consider the commemoration of events or individuals who have shaped the county, either by the naming of infrastructure or by the installation of monuments, memorials or plaques in the public domain.

"A funding stream would have to be identified.

"Such projects are invariably progressed by a community group."

KCC also said: "A plaque to Frank Conroy has previously been mounted in Kilcullen."