50 YEARS ON: THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF SLAIN OIREACHTAS MEMBER BILLY FOX CELEBRATED

By Veronica Corr

The 50th anniversary of Senator Billy Fox’s death was marked on Sunday last with wreathlayings in Senator Billy Fox Memorial Park and at his grave in the grounds of Christ Church, Aughnamullen, where there was an Ecumenical Service and a plaque unveiled. Conditions were fine for the outdoor leg of proceedings where An Taoiseach Simon Harris was the keynote speaker. Senator Billy Fox was the only member of the Oireachtas to have been murdered during The Troubles and he was only 35 years old at the time of his death. The intelligence and humanity of the man were clearly evidenced in the way he was remembered with such warmth and admiration fifty years after his passing.

The late Senator Fox’s girlfriend, Marjorie Coulson, who not only lost her boyfriend tragically, but also witnessed her family home burnt to the ground that night in 1974, was a guest of honour at the event. Master of Ceremonies Matthew Lambe, Ballybay/Clones Municipal District (MD) Coordinator welcomed dignitaries: President Michael D. Higgins’ aide-de-camp Colonel Stephen Howard, An Taoiseach Simon Harris, Minister Heather Humphreys, members of both Houses of the Oireachtas, members of the clergy, Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council David Maxwell, Cathaoirleach Ballybay/Clones Municipal District Sean Gilliland, elected members of Monaghan County Council, elected members of Cavan County Council, the family and friends of the late Senator Fox, staff members of Monaghan County Council, Chief Superintendent Alan McGovern representing the Garda Commissioner, members of the select vestry Aughnamullen, Latton Social Services, members of Bawn Community Development, Latton GAA and the people of Latton and Bawn. He then…