Memorial to the Waterford Volunteers who fought in defence of the Spanish Republic

Waterford has the distinction of having contributed eleven volunteers to the ranks of the International Brigade that fought in defence of the Spanish Republic from 1936 to 1938. Three of them - the Power brothers - came from one family. And in February 1937 five Waterford men fought in the Battle of Jarama where one of them, Mossie Quinlan was killed in action.

In 1996 one of those volunteers, a former Councillor on Waterford Corporation, the late Peter O'Connor, recounted their courageous stand in his reminiscences "A Soldier of Liberty". A committee has now been formed so that Waterford City itself can pay tribute to these men in the form of a fitting Memorial. The Committee is chaired by Waterford playwright Jim Nolan and its Honorary Secretary is Councillor Seamus Ryan. Waterford City Council has already unanimously approved the use of the public space area in front of the City Engineer’s offices on the Mall for the Memorial. And the sculptor Michael Warren has agreed to design a contemporary piece of sculpture made from Spanish granite. In order to fund this project the Relatives and Friends of Waterford International Brigaders have opened an account at Allied Irish Banks, Waterford. The Account Number is 77000030 and the Sort Code is 93-41-19. Subscriptions from individuals and organisations are kindly requested.

Waterford is particularly fortunate that the chosen sculptor is the internationally renowned Michael Warren from Gorey, Co. Wexford, a member of Aosdana, whose distinctions also include the Decoration of Cultural Merit awarded by Ecuador and Madrid's Medalla al Merito Artistico. With his sculptures on display from Latin America to Japan as well as throughout Europe, his many works in Ireland itself include the acclaimed Tulach a' tSolais Memorial to the 1798 Rebellion at Oulart, Co. Wexford.

This Thursday, March 25, at 7.30pm in the Large Room of Waterford City Hall, the Public Subscription Appeal for this Memorial will be officially launched. The sculptor Michael Warren himself will be present, as will 86 year old Michael O'Riordan, now one of only two surviving Irish International Brigaders, who was a comrade-in-arms of the Waterford volunteers who are being honoured.

end -

For further information: Hon. Secretary Treasurer, Seamus Ryan, 4 Ursuline Court, Waterford. Tel: 087 6805314;

Sean Kelly, 087-2843375; Manus O'Riordan, 087-6784727

---

The above press release was in respect of a very sucessful meeting held in Waterford which is now working towards unveiling this memorial on Friday July 9th.

Manus O'Riordan (moriordan@siptu.ie)