An online petition calling on Galway City Council to name the city’s new pedestrian bridge in honour of forgotten 1916 veteran Julia Morrissey has surged past its initial goal of 1,500 signatures.
Speaking from Galway, chairperson of the Julia Morrissey Bridge campaign, Ian Ó Dálaigh thanked everyone who has signed and shared it so far.
“The support we have gained is absolutely fantastic to see, and has ensured that the Julia Morrissey Bridge proposal is the clear frontrunner,” he said.
“In addition to these 1,500+ supporters, we’ve gained the support of local branches and councils of Unite, Fórsa and Mandate trade unions, and of the Galway Council of Trade Unions.
“And we have the support of several well-respected historians and authors, who recently signed an open letter in favour of our proposal.”
Senator Frances Black also spoke in the Seanad in support of the proposal during a Seanad debate on a motion in favour of naming the new national maternity hospital after Dr Kathleen Lynn who was also a 1916 veteran.
Senator Black said there is a real lack of commemoration of women from that period.
The petition now stands at almost 1,600 signatures, and people across Galway are being urged to sign it if they haven’t already done so.
“With your support, we can make the Julia Morrissey Bridge a reality,” said Ian Ó Dálaigh.
You can view the petition HERE.
