By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy
There was a special occasion held at Enniscorthy’s Duffry Gate this morning where a memorial plaque was placed on a bench in memory of John ‘Urney’ Byrne on the second anniversary of his untimely death on June 18th 2022.
Cllr Jackser Owens gave a brief eulogy on Urney’s life and times and said he was delighted to see this bench erected to his memory in the part of Enniscorthy that he hailed from – Duffry Gate.
Claire Lawless, District Manager, recalled that Urney was a dedicated and popular member of the outdoor staff at Enniscorthy Municipal District Council and this bench is a fitting tribute to his memory.
The attendance at the brief ceremony which took place in poor weather conditions included Cllr Aidan Browne, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Cllr John O’Rourke, family members and former work colleagues.
John Byrne, (59), affectionately known as ‘Urney’ was a popular member of the outdoor staff of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council who died suddenly while attending to his duties at the Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy on July 18th 2022.
The shock incident occurred as members and officials were preparing to attend the July meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council in the Presentation Centre and, as a mark of respect for the family, Cathaoirleach Cllr Aidan Browne cancelled the meeting with immediate effect.
In recent times local councillors unanimously agreed to honour John ‘Urney’ Byrne’s memory and recognise his contribution to the town with a plaque on a park bench. Today that tribute was honoured and ensures that his memory will never be forgotten.
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