ESB West Offaly Power dedicate memorial

A tree was planted and a memorial stone unveiled in ESB West Offaly Power on Friday October 28th in memory of the late Eoin Roe O'Neill. The unveiling of the stone was carried out jointly by Station Manager Pat Treanor and Shane O'Neill, brother of Eoin Roe, who died tragically on the site during the station construction.

In his speech Pat Treanor extended a warm welcome to Owen Roe's brothers, sisters and other members of his family who attended.

"February 3rd 2004 was a black day for us all when Owen Roe lost his life on this site," said Pat Treanor. In his speech at the official opening of the West Offaly Power station on 8th July, the CEO of Foster Wheeler Bud Cherry summed it all up when he said "Owen Roe O'Neill paid the ultimate price when he gave his life on this project."

"What happened to Owen Roe is a stark reminder to us all of how fickle life can be and we the staff of West Offaly Power see this stone and tree, dedicated to Owen Roe, as a reminder of that fact every day we come to work here," Pat Treanor told the gathering.

Rev. Fr. Hughes, based in Athlone, blessed the memorial at the site and following the unveiling a Mass was celebrated in the station by Father Hughes in memory of Eoin Roe and also for the staff working in the station. Foster Wheeler and MI Construction staff, for whom Eoin worked, also attended.