Uachtarán na hEireann, Michael D. Higgins, and Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Mike Cubbard, this week presided over the launch of two new stone benches in Eyre Square, in honour of C I O’Flynn and Ronnie O’Gorman, two men who made unique contributions to life in Galway City.
The two men were remembered at a ceremony Eyre Square and the Hardiman Hotel, with family, friends, Elected Members, staff of Galway City Council, and former workmates of Mr O’Gorman in the Galway Advertiser.
Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Mike Cubbard said, “As Chair of the Civic Commemoration and Naming Committee, it is a great honour to review nominations for remembrance for our city, and to hear the details of people who have given their time and energy to our city across a range of fields. Today’s celebration is a good example of two men who gave to Galway in their own unique and invaluable ways. Throughout their lives, both CI O’Flynn and Ronnie O’Gorman dedicated their energy, talents and skills in the city of Galway – in diverse fields, with long lasting impacts. It is fitting that we remember two men who served our city well, in a place that is central and iconic to our city, in Eyre Square”.
Speaking about Ronnie O’Gorman, Mayor Cubbard said, “Ronnie O’Gorman is well remembered for founding the iconic Galway Advertiser in the 1970s, a weekly staple in letterboxes and on kitchen tables in Galway City and beyond, on a Thursday morning. Mr O’Gorman had a great love of the arts and an extensive knowledge of life and history in the west”.
Ronnie O’Gorman’s son Ben O’Gorman said, “Ronnie’s family is moved and delighted with this honour. He loved Galway and it’s clear Galway loved him back.”
Speaking about C I O’Flynn, Leonard Cleary, Chief Executive, Galway City Council said, “CI O’Flynn devoted his life to public service, in particular the people of Galway City and County. It is the nature of public service, that those who work in the sector, do so to make a meaningful difference in society, to serve their communities and to support democracy in our country. C I O’Flynn was one such man.”
C I O'Flynn's son Niall O'Flynn said, “My Father's sense of public service came from a large family with a keen sense of public service. His father was an Alderman in Limerick and most of CI's brothers and sisters took up public service careers.”
The two new benches were installed in Eyre Square, close to St Columba’s Credit Union, with the dedications reading:
“In commemoration of C I O'Flynn, Galway City and County Manager, for over thirty years (1932 – 1965). He devoted his life to public service, in particular the people of Galway City and County.”
And
“In commemoration of Ronnie O’Gorman (1945-2024). “A simply irrepressible man who came home to his Galway roots to make an unforgettable contribution,” President Michael D. Higgins.
Tributes were paid to the staff in Recreation and Amenity for their work on the commemoration; to Galway Salvage Gallery for making and engraving the benches, and to the pavement contractor Ecoflex Surfacing Ltd.
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