Possibility of canal side memorial for woman murdered in 1909

Westmeath County Council is set to engage with Waterways Ireland on the possibility of erecting a commemorative bench at the spot on the Royal Canal, where a young post office worker, Mary Walker, was murdered in 1909.

The commitment was given at a meeting of the Mullingar-Kinnegad Municipal District after councillors unanimously backed a motion from Cllr Julie McCourt calling for a memorial space to honour Mary Walker and all women affected by violence.

Responding to the proposal, director of services Deirdre Reilly confirmed that council officials would liaise with Waterways Ireland regarding permission for a bench at the canal-side location. “We’ll see if we can bring it to fruition,” she said.

Introducing the motion, Cllr McCourt said she hoped a bench or commemorative plaque could provide a reflective space along the canal, where many local people walk daily. “I know there is a cross there already, but I’m asking that we have a plaque or maybe a little bench as a reflective space in memory of her, Aisling Murphy and all the women who have been harmed.”

She said the memorial could also serve as a visible reminder that support is available to people experiencing violence or abuse. “If somebody is being affected by violence and passes by this, they might stop and reflect and perhaps realise they need to seek help,” she said.

The proposal received strong support from councillors across the chamber.

Cllr Emily Wallace said the memorial would carry particular significance given the continuing prevalence of violence against women more than a century after Mary Walker’s death.

She noted that women routinely think about personal safety in ways many men do not and said everyone should have the right to move freely and safely within their communities.

Cllr Aoife Davitt said the proposed memorial could provide a place of calm and reflection for people experiencing domestic abuse or violence. “Maybe it could be a place of serenity where somebody could find the courage to report what is happening to them,” she said.

She also referenced the work being carried out locally by organisations supporting victims of domestic violence and praised the collaboration between community groups and the council.

Cllr Ken Glynn said the memorial would be a meaningful way to demonstrate support for victims and survivors of violence. “We’ve had the presentations and the discussions, and it would be nice now to actually do something and make that statement,” he said.

Cllr Denis Leonard described the proposal as both a fitting tribute and an opportunity to raise awareness. “I think Mary Walker needs to be remembered in that particular place,” he said. “It can honour her memory while also reminding people that support services are available.”

The mayor Cllr Niall Gaffney also endorsed the proposal, noting that councillors had placed a strong focus on issues surrounding violence against women in recent months.

Community walk to honour Mary Walker and stand against violence

Éist and Zero Tolerance are inviting community groups, organisations, and members of the public to join a community walk along the Royal Canal on Tuesday July 7 to mark the anniversary of the murder of Mary Walker and to stand in solidarity with victims and survivors of violence.

Mary Walker was a 32-year-old postal worker employed at Mullingar Post Office. In July 1909, she was brutally murdered along the banks of the Royal Canal while making her way home. More than a century later, her story remains a stark reminder of the violence that women have faced throughout history and continue to face today.

Participants will gather at the canal entrance opposite the train station at 7pm and walk to the memorial cross that marks the location where Mary Walker lost her life.

As part of the event, organisers will highlight a proposal for the installation of a commemorative bench at the site. The bench would serve as a permanent place of reflection, remembrance, and quiet contemplation for visitors to the canal and as a lasting tribute to Mary Walker.

While the gathering in July will honour Mary’s memory, it will serve a wider purpose as Éist and Zero Tolerance invite community groups, sports clubs, voluntary organisations, local representatives, and members of the public to stand together in solidarity with victims and survivors of gender-based violence, domestic violence, and all forms of violence committed against vulnerable groups.

Violence within homes, families, and communities often remains unseen. The gathering aims to send a clear message that victims and survivors are not alone and that communities can play a role in fostering support, awareness, and solidarity.