Writes Leo McMahon
Monkstown Golf Club was the venue on Saturday, October 19th for a tribute function ‘in recognition of her outstanding service, commitment and dedication to the communities of the Harbour parishes’ by former councillor Marcia D’Alton.
Marcia was first elected to Passage West Town Commissioners (later a Town Council) in 2004 and served two terms until its abolition and replacement by Carrigaline Municipal District in 2014. She became a county councillor that year and served two terms on that body and several of its committees. In addition, she was actively and passionately involved in many voluntary organisations, clubs and causes in her locality.
MC and long-time friend Mary Foley introduced the speakers, the first of whom was Jim Murphy, former town councillor and a founder of Passage West Maritime Museum. He spoke of Marcia’s tremendous support in helping to set up the museum and also in the provision of the quayside pontoon, the upkeep of the old church cemetery in Passage West and her huge voluntary work in the locality.
Jim also extended best wishes on behalf of his daughter and former councillor Angela, who was unable to attend, and spoke of the huge void left by the abolition of the local authority. He expressed the hope that a town and district council could return restore.
Assumpta Lydon, patchwork artist and manager of Passage West Creates, a collective of crafters and artists with a shop in the town, said she didn’t initially recognise Marcia looking so beautiful in her outfit and duly produced a wearing a high viz vest! ‘Only for the driving force of Marcia, the premises would not be here’ she said, and on behalf of its members presented her with huge hamper from the shop.
Pharmacist Annette Foley, on behalf of local traders, described Marcia as a kindred spirit. ‘There are no words that can express to say thank you because the world has changed in Passage West because of you’. She then presented a floral bouquet to Marcia and also thanked Mary Foley.
Angela Foley then read out messages from Emma White: ‘To say that I am in awe of her is an understatement and no words could do her justice. How Marcia has balanced career with family, friends as well as being a great neighbour and a listening ear I’ll never know. Her contribution to our community as a councillor has ended but I know she just can’t help herself. She’ll be as involved as always but I hope more on her terms. Wishing you all the best and thank you for being a great friend’.
Port Watch: On behalf of the team, we want to sincerely thank Marcia for her hard work, advice and support over many years for a body representing a group of residents concerned about keeping our harbour a safe and clean place to live.Kathleen Tuohy, Ringaskiddy sent a message of tribute to Marcia for helping to improve the environment of the Lower Harbour area especially her support in the fight against the location of a toxic incinerator.
St Theresa’s Guild Unit, Passage West: ‘Your presence at our events over the years has been a positive encouragement to our young members and adults. You always bring that lovely smile and you bring the best out of people. Thank you for your hard work for the community Marcia and best wishes for the future’.
Frances McCarthy in St Peter’s Community School, Passage West: ‘I have never met anyone so hard working in the interests of their community. You are an inspiration to everyone. Best wishes.’
Angela concluded by thanking function sponsors, local businesses - especially Annette Foley - and fellow organisers Liam Cusack, Alison Tanner-Howe, Anita Howard and Fiona Fox, the latter of whom praised Mary and then presented an inscribed glass plaque of appreciation plus a gift on behalf of people in attendance and traders.
Marcia thanked everyone for coming and the organisers. An engineer by training, she said she never intended becoming a politician and back in 2004 didn’t even know there was a town council. She pointed out that the golf club venue was actually a microcosm of important things dearest in her life including family functions, meetings and campaigns (e.g. CHASE).
‘I just wanted to do my best for the place where my children were going to grow up. It wasn’t about me, it was about ye. I couldn’t have done any of it without you and you have brought so much joy to my life. There is so much more to come and so much promise,’ said Marcia in thanking members of the different organisations, individuals, neighbours and councillors she was involved with, many who had become great friends.
‘It takes a village to rear a child and it takes a community to make a village. We’re so lucky we’ve got each other because it’s about all of us together,’ said Marcia who specially thanked her husband Rob and family on the top table: sons Chris and Olin and daughters Thea, Lucy and Ethel; her sister Ruth and niece Martha.
Excellent fare was served by the golf club staff and the dinner was preceded by a performance by Attridge Academy of Irish Dance including Marcia’s daughter Ethel (tutor Niamh Marie Murphy) and afterwards by Dave Hegarty, Steve Byrne, John Atkinson and Aidan O’Riordan of Passage West Men’s Shed. The large attendance included chairperson of Carrigaline Municipal District Seamus McGrath with his mother Marie and Eadaoin and her mother Pauline Farrell, all of whom enjoyed a slide show of Marcia’s numerous activities during the function.
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