Remembering a Galway UN peacekeeping hero
A commemorative plaque has been unveiled to honour a Galway soldier fatally wounded while serving on a peacekeeping mission in Lebanon over 45 years ago.
Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr. Mike Cubbard has joined members of the family of the late Private Stephen Griffin to unveil the stone plaque which has been erected adjacent to Bóthar Stiofáin, Rahoon, which is named in his honour.
Pte Griffin was just 21 years old when he was fatally wounded on April 7, 1980, at At Tiri, South Lebanon.
He had been serving there with the 46th Infantry Battalion. He was the first Irish soldier killed by hostile action on UNIFIL service.
A newly installed stone plaque was unveiled at a commemorative ceremony on Sunday last, which was supported by Galway City Council and the Irish Defence Forces.
Defence Forces chaplain Fr. Paul Murphy said a prayer at the event, which was attended by representatives of Renmore Barracks and some of Pte Griffin’s former colleagues from Collins Barracks in Cork, where he had been based.
It will help ensure that he will be remembered for years to com
Speaking at the event, Stephen’s sister Áine said that the family wase very grateful that the plaque was erected in memory of Stephen.
“It will help ensure that he will be remembered for years to come, and I want to thank all of those who have helped to make this possible,” she said.
“Recent months have reminded us of how peace is uncertain. Our family are very conscious of all peacekeepers, and particularly those who, like Stephen, made the ultimate sacrifice while endeavouring to protect it.
“We want to thank those who attended this event, including friends, family, elected representatives, army personnel and Stephen’s former colleagues,” she said.
Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr. Mike Cubbard said it is fitting that the plaque has been installed to remember the sacrifice of Pte Griffin.
“Many people throughout the city, particularly in Stephen’s home area of Rahoon, remember his tragic passing,” he said.
This plaque will now keep his memory alive and help younger generations to learn about his sacrifice and the positive impact and legacy left by Stephen and other Irish peacekeepers,” he added.
The stone plaque has been installed during ongoing works on the Bóthar Stiofáin Active Travel Scheme, which is nearing completion.