To: Fingal County Council
Johnny Monks Memorial at 'New Harbour Development'
The following petition is to formally commemorate the life and maritime contribution of Johnny Monks within the Balbriggan Harbour Rejuvenation Scheme.
This may be achieved through the naming of the new Boathouse or a prominent harbour building in his honour, or the installation of a commissioned bronze memorial—such as a representative fishing vessel sculpture or a dedicated plaque.
PLEASE READ BELOW & SIGN TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT.
This may be achieved through the naming of the new Boathouse or a prominent harbour building in his honour, or the installation of a commissioned bronze memorial—such as a representative fishing vessel sculpture or a dedicated plaque.
PLEASE READ BELOW & SIGN TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT.
Why is this important?
Johnny was a staple of not just the fishing community, but the Balbriggan community as a whole. Beloved by everyone in the town, he was a true gentleman who always had time for a smile and a chat.
Having lived next to Johnny for 17 years, I knew him as the best of neighbors. Despite being 45 years my senior, he always had time for me and everyone on Bath Road. The outpouring of hundreds of stories and tributes online this past week is a testament to his kindness and the mark he left on us all.
He truly was one of the last of the ‘Balbriggan greats.’ The tragic and untimely nature of his passing has left a gaping hole in our community, and our hearts go out to his family.
As the Balbriggan Harbour Rejuvenation works move toward completion, we have a unique opportunity to give Johnny the remembrance he deserves in the heart of the maritime environment he loved.
While we acknowledge Fingal County Council’s "20-Year Rule" (Section 5.5), which generally delays memorials until 20 years after a person’s passing, the policy allows for "very exceptional cases."
Given Johnny’s profound impact on the town’s identity and the heartbreaking circumstances of his passing, the people of Balbriggan believe this is undeniably one of those exceptional cases. We ask the Council to honor that legacy now, while his spirit remains so central to our town's current transformation.
Given Johnny’s profound impact on the town’s identity and the heartbreaking circumstances of his passing, the people of Balbriggan believe this is undeniably one of those exceptional cases. We ask the Council to honor that legacy now, while his spirit remains so central to our town's current transformation.
