Remembrance cross to be relocated

The cross of remembrance outside Columb Barracks is to be re-located to the Tranquillity Park near County Buildings.

The cross, which honours the thousands of service men based in Columb Barracks over the centuries, has been vandalised on a number of occasions since the army left Mullingar more than two years ago.

Following the latest act of vandalism in September, the local branch of the Organisation of National Ex-Service (ONE) has requested that the cross be relocated to Tranquillity Park.

Speaking at the October meeting of Mullingar Municipal District, Cllr Ken Glynn said that the large number of current and ex-service men living in the town have been “greatly upset” by the recurring vandalism and the council should facilitate ONE’s request to relocate the cross.

The council should “fast track the process” and when the cross is in place, Cllr Glynn said, “it will add to the area”.

He added that there is concern among the military community that the cross, which was erected 16 years ago, is going to be structurally damaged.

Cllr Andrew Duncan (FG), who noted Mullingar’s proud military history, voiced his support, while Cllr Sorcha Clarke (SF) said that it was “fitting” that the monument be relocated and that it is “recognised as more than a roadmark on the way to Tesco”.

Council official Dave Hogan told the councillors that funding the relocation is a matter for the ONE group and not Mullingar Municipal District.

At the same meeting it was revealed that the Tranquillity Garden is the preferred location for a new memorial to the Mullingar men that served in World War I. The council is to meet shortly with interested parties.