Widow's twice-daily flag ritual continues as council refuses memorial light
By Rebekah O'Reilly
A widow whose family has endured the loss of two loved ones on UN peacekeeping missions is continuing a daily ritual of raising and lowering the Irish tricolour at a military memorial in Coosan cemetery as Westmeath County Council has refused permission for a light that would allow the flag to remain flying overnight.
Independent Ireland Cllr Paul Hogan raised the issue at this week's meeting of the Athlone-Moate Municipal District on behalf of a local family, who have spent more than a year making the twice-daily journey to Coosan Cemetery.
The family's requested the installation of a low-level light at the peacekeepers' memorial so the Irish tricolour can remain flying at night in accordance with flag protocol.
"It's very sad that a woman who has lost her brother and husband in peacekeeping missions in Lebanon has to go out every day to put the flag up and every evening to take it down," Cllr Hogan told the meeting.
"It's a very sad state of affairs. This request has been refused in the interests of birds, bats and insects."
The memorial honours local peacekeepers, including Pauline Ward's brother, William O'Brien, and her husband, Private Martin Ward, both of whom died while serving with United Nations peacekeeping missions in Lebanon.
Cllr Hogan told councillors that Hyundai had offered to fully fund the installation of the light, meaning there would be no cost to the local authority.
He said he had carried out some research and there are many solutions, such as solar lighting, or the use of low lighting or lamps.
"Bats don't usually roost in the trees in Coosan Cemetery,” he added.
The proposal received support from Cllr Frankie Keena, who noted that the national flag cannot remain flying after dark unless it is properly illuminated.
"Surely there's scope to work on it," he said. "We need to show respect to mourning families."
District Manager Jackie Finney said the council had considered a number of factors before deciding against installing lighting at the cemetery.
"Cemeteries in urban areas are quiet places of commemoration," she said.
"There is also a need to protect urban spaces for dark skies. There are concerns about cost, civil works would be required and there would be associated costs.
“I understand you have the individual's interests at heart. Public lighting in a cemetery will not be possible, but I will commit to taking the matter away for further consideration."
Cllr Hogan responded by reiterating that Hyundai's offer meant the council would not have to bear the financial cost.
"I didn't want to bring it to this level, but members do have a reserved function, and I just wanted to ask if you could review the decision," he said.