Proposal to name this Athlone street after late local nun
An Athlone councillor is proposing that an Athlone street be renamed in honour of a late local nun.
Mayor of Athlone Cllr Aengus O'Rourke will today propose that the area known as The Docks or The Quays on Athlone's western bank of the River Shannon be renamed 'Sr Bernard Quay'.
The move will be tabled at today's meeting of the Athlone Moate Municipal District of Westmeath County Council and is designed to commemorate the contribution of the late Sr Bernard Lynch to the town.
The late Sr Bernard, a native of Arigna, Roscommon, passed away in October last. Sr Bernard was based in Athlone since the late 1960s.
She worked in education for much of her life, serving as principal of St Peter's National School from 1974 until her retirement in 1993.
Following her retirement, she remained actively involved in parish ministry in St Peter and Paul's Parish.
Cllr O'Rourke said: "I was very lucky to know Sr Bernard, we often confided in each other about a range of things, and she had a very keen interest in politics.
"Soon after I became Mayor last year, she wrote me a lovely note wishing me luck and enclosed a prayer stone which I always have with me and will always cherish."
He said people would remember Sr Bernard as "a kind, gentle and generous person."
"Athlone, was Sr Bernard’s adopted town for over 50 years, she was a teacher all her working life, however in retirement she went on to dedicate the last 30 years of her life to helping people in many ways.
"Sr Bernard loved life and she was active to the very end. Active helping people in whatever way she could – every day. She has done more for people than we’ll ever know. But one thing I do know; Sr Bernard was one of the most obliging, generous and selfless people I have ever met.
He saidSr Bernard gave so much to Athlone, and he was only sorry that we didn’t make the time to recognise or acknowledge her work before she passed away.
"However, I am proposing that as a mark of respect to this wonderful lady, and in recognition of her immense contribution to Athlone, that we rename the The Quays in her honour.
"I am proposing that we rename this prominent street, the street that she lived on and loved, that runs from the Luan Gallery to beyond the Docks, ‘Sr Bernard Quay’."
Cllr O'Rourke said the proposal will go out to the public for their consideration as public consultation is required when a street is being named or renamed as in this case.
"But I am hoping that the public will agree with my proposal to rename this prominent street Sr Bernard Quay in memory of a truly wonderful person."