By Veronica Corr
Fine Gael both locally and nationally will mark the 50th anniversary of Senator Billy Fox’s assassination this coming Sunday, 28th April in Bawn, Latton and Aughnamullen. Those who wish to attend are asked to park at Latton GAA Centre, where a shuttle bus will be in operation from 11.30am, which will bring attendees to Billy Fox Memorial Park, Bawn for a wreath laying at 1pm. From there the buses will take everyone to the churchyard in Aughnamullen where the late Fine Gael politician is buried. There will be an Ecumenical Service in the church at 3pm and a plaque will be unveiled in the late Senator’s memory, at the site which will become a museum dedicated to his life.
The shuttle buses will bring everyone back to the GAA centre for speeches, tributes and refreshments. Ballybay/Clones Municipal District under Cathaoirleach Sean Gilliland, Monaghan County Council under Cathaoirleach David Maxwell and County Monaghan Fine Gael under Chairman Philip Kelly, have organised this full day of celebration in honour of Senator Fox. At Monday morning’s Municipal District meeting in Carrickmacross, Councillor Peter Conlon, who noted that Senator Fox was the only member of the Oireachtas killed during The Troubles, wished to remind everyone that the commemoration was an open invitation event, which everyone was welcome to attend.
Latton Bawn Social Services’ Alice Forde said of the late Fine Gael Senator: “Billy was a man for all people, regardless of class or religion. He helped people on both sides of the Border fix the craters in the roads. He was a forerunner to peace and reconciliation, when he was killed.”
