Council to consider naming area in Moate in honour of late Patrick Kelly

It has been proposed that the Municipal District of Athlone-Moate will name the area designated for serviced sites at Clara Road, Moate, 'The Private Patrick Kelly Park', in honour of the late Athlone soldier who was killed forty years ago in the line of duty.

Following the call from Cllr Tom Farrell, it has been recommended that the motion is referred to the Council’s Estate Naming Committee for consideration.

Cllr Tom Farrell met with Pte Kelly's family who he said were “absolutely delighted” about the possibility of naming the area in Moate in honour of the late soldier. He said that it was the “right time” for this to be done. Cllr John Dolan said that he was “happy” to second the motion.

Cllr Vinny McCormack said that it was a very good idea and that he was happy to let it go to the estate committee to choose the exact name.

An existing memorial in Moate has "fallen basically to rack and ruin over a number of years", said Cllr McCormack. He added that it would be fitting if the entire area was named in honour of Pte Kelly.

Cllr Frankie Keena and Cllr Paul Hogan also supported the motion and Cllr Hogan highlighted that it was important that Cllr Farrell had liaised with the Kelly family.

Private Paddy Kelly was killed over forty years ago in Derrada Woods, Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim, during the rescue of kidnapped supermarket boss, Don Tidey. He was remembered at a ceremony in Custume Barracks, Athlone in December 2023.