A special event to mark 50 years since the death of Cortubber's Senator Billy Fox is planned for this weekend. The Fine Gael politician and advocate for peace was only 34 years-old when he was shot three times in the back by the IRA following an ambush at his girlfriend's house in Tircooney.
Every year, local people remember the Senator, who was the only sitting member of the Oireachtas to be killed during the Troubles. Plans to mark the 50th anniversary this Sunday, 28th April, include meeting up at the Billy Fox Memorial Park at 1 o'clock where there will be speeches.
Proceedings will continue to Christchurch, Aghnamullen for a service of remembrance followed by the laying of a wreath at Senator Fox's graveside and then the unveiling of a plaque in his memory. The day will end with refreshments served at Latton GAA Club. Traffic management and park 'n' ride facilities will be in operation from noon on Sunday. The Taoiseach will attend the event as will other Fine Gael party colleagues.
Monaghan County Councillor, Sean Gilliland, told Northern Sound the day is open to everyone and will deliver a message of peace, something he knows Billy Fox would approve of: "It's a family day, it's for anyone who wants to come," Cllr Gilliland told Northern Sound, "There won't be many of us around in the next 50 years so, it's an opportunity if anyone would like to come they'd be very, very welcome. There certainly will be a message of peace from it. he was a man of peace, he gave his life but, he would definitely use the event for the message of peace on this island and indeed throughout the world probably as well so, yes, I'd say he'd fully approve."
