President to unveil Dermot Earley monument in Gorthaganny

President McAleese to unveil Dermot Earley monument in Gorthaganny


Michael Commins

PRESIDENT Mary McAleese will preside at the unveiling of the life-size monument in memory of the late Lt General Dermot Earley in Gorthaganny on next Saturday, August 27 at 11.30am. His wife Mary and family members are travelling from Kildare and other areas for the ceremony in his home village where Dermot’s mother Kitty has resided over the decades.
Dermot Earley, who died last year following a relatively short illness, was one of Roscommon’s most famous sons. He was a revered hero in the GAA life of the county, having won numerous honours with Roscommon, including four Connacht senior medals, a National league medal and All Star awards. He was regarded as the leading ambassador for the county and a man whose very presence could light up a room.
A local committee in Gorthaganny was set up some months ago and they have been busy coordinating the project which comes to fruition on Saturday. It will be a historic day in the small village just six miles from Ballyhaunis.
Séamus Connolly of Co Clare has been commissioned to sculpt this bronze memorial and he is currently putting the finishing touches to his work.
Ann Walshe, PRO, says they would like to thank everyone who has been so generous to date. “Our concert with the Army No 1 band and PJ Murrihy and friends was a great success in Loughglynn. We are currently running a raffle and tickets are widely on sale throughout the area. We have a first prize of two tickets to the All-Ireland Football Final with overnight accommodation in the Croke Park Hotel. It is the committee’s hope to have all funds in prior to the unveiling.”
It is expected that many well known people from the GAA scene as well as numerous friends of the late Dermot Earley will be in Gorthaganny for the ceremonies. “We are aware that many people plan to come to the village on Saturday and we would like to encourage them to be in place at least 15 minutes before the President unveils the monument at 11.30am. On entering the area you will be directed to car parks by the stewards and they will direct you to the location of the unveiling,” says Ann Walsh.