Memorial projects receive council budget funding

Two memorial projects will receive the financial backing of Athlone Town Council to the tune of over €77,500 in 2010, the annual budget meeting of the local authority was told. €70,000 is earmarked for the first, a memorial to the memory of Defence Force Personnel of the 4th Western Brigade who died in the service of peace beside Athlone Castle, with another €7,500 to be given to a second project, local committee established to erect a memorial to the Marist Brothers who have served in the town for the past 125 years in the field of education. Athlone Town Clerk John Walsh told members on Tuesday last that the army memorial construction is progressing well close to Athlone Castle, and it should be ready for a formal opening in or close to the end of February. He said it is fitting in a town where there is a barracks that such a memorial be installed, an initiative that shows the respect and esteem in which the Defence Forces is held by the people of the town and the local authority. Meanwhile, a memorial to honour the contribution of the Marist Brothers to Athlone is also in the pipeline with a local committee recently formed to bring the aim to fruition. Athlone Town Council members agreed to support the venture with a contribution of €7,500 in 2010 towards the total estimated cost of €50,000. The remainder will be provided by local fundraising activities.