Limerick— In a heartfelt letter addressed to the Mayor of Limerick, Alderman Joyce, Mr Barry O’Brien, Secretary of the Fontenoy Memorial Committee, expressed gratitude for the Mayor’s recent subscription to their cause. The Fontenoy Memorial Committee is dedicated to commemorating the historical Battle of Fontenoy, and Mr O’Brien’s letter sought not only to convey appreciation but also to rally more support from Limerick’s citizens.
The Battle of Fontenoy holds deep significance in Irish history, as it is linked to the memory of the Broken Treaty and the rallying cry, “Remember Limerick,” carried by Irish Exiles. Mr O’Brien emphasized this historical connection and noted that Limerick, being forever linked with victory, should play a pivotal role in supporting the Fontenoy Memorial initiative. He expressed his belief that there are many Limerick residents who would be willing to contribute to the cause, given the chance.
Mr O’Brien, acknowledging his partial Limerick heritage, conveyed that the value of the subscription extended beyond its monetary amount. He emphasized that the goal was to encourage wide and representative participation, irrespective of the individual contribution’s size. The essence was to create a movement that resonated deeply with the people, ensuring that the effort to honour the men who avenged the broken Treaty of Limerick at the Battle of Fontenoy carried both historical and national significance.
The Secretary further appealed to Mayor Alderman Joyce to consider using his position to draw attention to the Fontenoy Memorial movement. A mere word from the Mayor, Mr O’Brien believed, could have a profound impact and generate substantial support. He underscored that the movement’s success was not solely reliant on financial contributions but on the unity and representation of the cause, making Limerick the epicenter of this significant initiative.
While recognizing that not every contributor could donate a large sum, Mr O’Brien stressed the importance of participation as a means to spread the movement’s message far and wide. He envisioned Limerick as the driving force behind a movement that aimed to imbue the Battle of Fontenoy with historical importance and national pride, celebrating those who upheld the spirit of the Broken Treaty.
In response to the appeal, Mayor Alderman Joyce expressed appreciation for the acknowledgment and pledged to support the Fontenoy Memorial Committee’s efforts in whatever capacity he could. He recognized the historical resonance of the Battle of Fontenoy and its relevance to Limerick’s own history. The Mayor shared his intent to raise awareness of the initiative within the community and hoped that Limerick’s citizens would come forward to contribute, no matter the scale of their donations.
The Fontenoy Memorial Committee’s appeal to Limerick and its Mayor underlines the power of historical memory and shared heritage in fostering a sense of community and unity. As Limerick residents consider their response to this call to action, they reflect on the importance of commemorating events that hold meaning not only in their local context but also in the broader narrative of Ireland’s history.
Limerick Echo – Tuesday 12 December 1905
