'A true son of New Ross'
THE LATE SENATOR EDWARD KENNEDY
Joan Kirwan, Peggy Kennedy, Anna Kennedy, Kitty Kennedy, Margaret Kirwan, Josie Ryan and Mary Ann Ryan with their third cousin Ted Kennedy in 1962.
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NEW ROSS Town Council came together for a special meeting on Wednesday afternoon to cast a vote of sympathy for the Kennedy Family on the sad loss of Senator Ted Kennedy.
For the second time in as many weeks Council members gathered together to share their sympathies with the Kennedy family, who only recently buried Eunice Kennedy Shriver.
Fitting tributes were paid to the late Senator by all assembled, who spoke highly of his fully lived life.
'Ted Kennedy was a great politician and a great peacemaker. I met him on two occasions and he was a gentleman,' said Cathaoirleach Victor Furness.
'I think his dedication to the people of New Ross and Wexford is well known. He was a true son of New Ross and a great friend of Ireland,' said the Green's Niamh Fitzgibbon, while Cllr. Paul Crowdle recalled how he was a great campaigner for Civil Rights in the 60s and 70s in America.
'Any person who dedicates his or her entire life to politics and to serving people should be applauded,' said Cllr. John Dwyer.
'I would like to be associated with all those remarks. He was a true statesman and a great politician and it is great in New Ross to be associated with the Kennedy Family. We should look into the long term for some sort of a tribute to the Kennedy family – they are almost at the end of an era,' said Cllr. Kevin Dwyer.
Cllr. Michael Sheehan felt that it might be appropriate to rename the Public Library in New Ross the Kennedy Memorial Library.
Town Clerk David Minogue stated that there is a 'genuine sadness' at the passing of Eunice Kennedy Shriver and now Senator Ted Kennedy in the space of two weeks and felt that a memorial service to mark his sad passing and celebrate his life may be appropriate.
The Cathaoirleach told the special meeting that he had been in touch with the Parish Priest about such a Memorial Service and added that he felt it was 'too soon' to send representatives from the Town Council to the funeral ceremonies.
'I don't think it is necessary to show that gesture so soon after. I think it was right what we did at the time and we will be ringing the family on foot of today's meeting and sending floral arrangements,' explained the Town Clerk.
Following the meeting a book of condolences was opened in the Council Chamber.
- Elaine FURLONG
