Towering honour for reforming Limerick politician could be on the horizon
Councillors to write to OPW Minister to persuade him to name Opera tower in honour of Donogh O’Malley
DONOGH O’Malley was a towering figure in Irish history – and now the city’s newest skyscraper could be named in his honour.
The 14-storey tower at the heart of the Opera Square development is taking shape, and there was a unanimous call at this month’s metropolitan meeting to name the building in honour of the Limerick man, who in his time as education minister, 60 years ago, brought in free secondary education for all children across the State.
A letter is to be sent to the Minister for the Office of Public Works Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran calling for the block to be named after Mr O’Malley, whose legacy is being celebrated with a series of events over the next two years.
It comes after Fine Gael councillor Peter Doyle, the chairman of the economic committee, saw a motion unanimously passed.
"This was a brave reform as up to that time 35% of children left full-time education at or before end of primary school. Only about 20% completed their Leaving Certificate. The majority of parents sending their children to secondary schools had to pay tuition fees. Many conservative forces opposed free second level education but Donogh was a man of vision and determination. His reform transformed Ireland,” said Cllr Doyle.
Social Democrats councillor Elisa O’Donovan seconded the motion.
She said: “Donogh O’Malley really did make a huge contribution to Limerick and to all of our lives. I think there were so many people who missed out and I think it is really important for my generation and the younger generation who have taken free secondary education for granted to realise why we had that privilege.”
Fianna Fail’s Catherine Slattery and Cllr Elena Secas, Independent, also spoke in support of the motion.
Fellow Independent, Cllr Maria Donoghue said: "Donogh O'Malley changed Ireland. He set up what become the Ireland of the Celtic Tiger and an era where we could emigrate to other countries and be taken seriously. That we are educated and able to offer something to employers abroad.”
Metropolitan district leader, Cllr Joe Pond added: “I fully support this motion – it’s a wonderful motion to bring to our meeting.”