Plaque honours three local men who left lasting legacies

More than 200 people gathered at Trihill, Ballinamore Bridge, on Sunday, June 1st, for the unveiling of a commemorative plaque honouring three men whose lives and achievements continue to form part of the area’s local heritage.

The plaque, unveiled on the banks of the River Shiven after 18 months of planning by Ballinamore Bridge Heritage Group, commemorates Dean John Crowe, Malachy Geraghty and Lawrence J. Logan, all of whom had strong connections to Trihill.

The project reflects Ballinamore Bridge Heritage Group’s mission to keep alive the stories of people who helped put the area on the map, ensuring their names are remembered by future generations.

The men’s shared beginnings in Trihill are now marked in stonework created by Johny Crehan. The plaque was unveiled by president Sean Keane, with relatives and members of the heritage group among those who spoke at the ceremony.

David Lohan, a relative of Malachy Geraghty, spoke about his life and the tragedy of his early death.

Malachy Geraghty was born on May 14th, 1896. On September 12th, 1922, he was tragically killed at the age of 26 in Crossmolina, County Mayo, during the Irish Civil War. He was shot by a stray bullet during an ambush and was later laid to rest in Chapelfinnerty Graveyard.

Speakers described him as a civilian who was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Vice-chairperson Tommy Crehan spoke about the life and legacy of Dean John Crowe.

“He was born on March 28th, 1883, in this very village and baptised in the parish of Clonbrock,” he said.

Mr Crehan said Dean Crowe’s greatest achievement was arguably his role as the driving force behind the building of St Peter and Paul’s Church in Athlone, a major undertaking in the early years of Irish independence. St Peter and Paul’s Church opened on March 17th, 1937.

“The old St Peter’s Church, which had served them since 1795, was repurposed and renamed the Dean Crowe Theatre in his honour in more modern times,” he said.

Dean John Crowe died suddenly on May 24th, 1955, leaving behind a lasting legacy.

Lawrence J. Logan was born on August 10th, 1841, and later became an American military officer. A native of the area, he emigrated to America and became known as a war hero of the Spanish-American War of 1898.

He was also heavily involved in politics and was a proud supporter of the Friends of Irish Freedom, an Irish-American nationalist organisation.

Boston Logan International Airport is named in honour of his son, Col Edward L. Logan.

Lawrence J. Logan died on September 22nd, 1922.

Chairman Hugh Lohan, a relation of Lawrence J. Logan, reflected on his life and legacy, as well as the changes the area has seen over the decades.

Mr Crehan also explained why the plaque was placed at its chosen location in Trihill. “It’s a central point, nearly between the three houses,” he said.

“Lawrence J. Logan was just over the road from us, and in the opposite direction you had Dean John Crowe. Then it’s like a T, and down the other end of the village was Malachy Geraghty. That’s the way they’re lined up on the plaque as well, like the geography of the village really.” Parish priest Fr Doug Zaggi and Fr Louis blessed the plaque during the ceremony.

Local woman Mary Kelly placed a wreath at the site, accompanied by music from Anne Marie Lohan.

“The colours on the wreath represent the Irish tricolour, the American flag and the Papal flag, which were all intrinsically intertwined into the multifaceted lives of these three notable men,” said Mr Crehan.

“I suppose memory is a big thing for Ballinamore Bridge Heritage Group,” he added.

The event was followed by an evening of music in Hughes’s Bar, Ballinamore Bridge.

Founded in 2001, Ballinamore Bridge Heritage Group has undertaken a number of local history projects, including a plaque commemorating four young boys who drowned in the River Shannon in 1904.

The group’s next project, Echoes of Time, will explore the people, places and events that have shaped the community.

Publican Mathew Hughes said newcomers are always welcome to join the group and highlighted its newly launched website as a way for people to get involved.

Ballinamore Bridge Heritage Group expressed its gratitude to all those who helped organise and attend the event.