'It deserves a public memorial'

An evening of song and remembrance will take place at the Hotel Kilmore this Friday November 6.

The concert was organised by the ‘Remember the Cavan Orphanage Victims’ group to raise funds for a memorial to remember the 35 children and one adult whose lives were claimed by the St Joseph’s Orphanage fire in February 1943. Five choirs will perform on the night including Cavan Rugby Club Choir, Cavan Singers, Cavan Community Voices, Cuan Crooners and Loreto College Choir.

Regarded as one of Ireland’s greatest tragedies and a sad chapter in Cavan Town’s history, the only commemoration for the girls and one elderly woman who died with them is their grave at Cullies Cemetery.

“You’re talking about thirty-six lives and something of that scale, I think it deserves a public memorial close to the site of where it [the incident] occurred,” joint chairperson Sean Galligan told the Celt.

Initial plans for a relief sculpture in the courtyard area of the former Poor Clare’s Convent have had to be “revised” something the group are “disappointed” to announce.

They are currently “considering” new locations however would like to see the memorial “along the footpath” or at the courtyard entrance where it would be visible to passersby.

In the meantime, they are continuing to raise funds and proceeds of a raffle on the night and ticket sales will go towards a “lasting memorial”.

The concert will take place on Friday, November 6 with doors opening at 7:30pm and starting at 8pm.

Tickets are available on the night and also at the reception of the Hotel Kilmore. Everybody is welcome to attend.