A commemorative plaque has been unveiled at AIB Lynch’s Castle in memory of the late Jerome O’Connor, the 52-year-old wages clerk who tragically lost his life during a robbery attempt at the site on August 15, 1974.
Mr O’Connor, a respected employee of John Sisk & Son and a resident of Terryland, was fatally shot while resisting an armed robbery outside the bank.
His death sent shockwaves through the Galway community and remains a sombre moment in the city’s history.
John Sisk & Son, where Mr O’Connor had worked for many years, were instrumental in driving the initiative to have the plaque installed, ensuring that his courage and sacrifice would not be forgotten.
It was AIB who found a home for the plaque in its Lynch’s Castle branch hall, where customers and members of the public can pay tribute to Jerome.
AIB hosted the unveiling, which was attended by Noreen O’Connor, wife of the late Jerome O’Connor; members of the O’Connor family; AIB Branch Manager Lisa Cooley and staff of AIB; Deputy Mayor & Councillor John McDonagh; and Sisk’s Cathal Whirskey along with representatives from Sisk. The plaque now stands as a lasting tribute to Mr O’Connor’s memory, more than 50 years after the tragedy.
Luke Silke, grandnephew of Noreen O’Connor née Kennedy, said, “On behalf of Noreen’s family, I’d like to thank Sisk, AIB Lynch’s Castle and those in City Hall who made this happen.”
Noreen O’Connor turned 95 this month, Luke added, saying that she is happy to know that her husband’s name will not be forgotten.
“As a family what we’ve been most struck by since the plaque was unveiled is the amount of people who have come forward to share their memories of Jerome, and indeed their memories of that awful day 14th August 1974.”
“It’s as if everyone in Galway can remember where they were on the day of the murder. Noreen is grateful for the love and kindness shown to her by the people of Galway in the aftermath of his death and in the fifty years since. We are all delighted that she has lived to see the day when Jerome will be properly remembered”
Lisa Cooley, AIB Lynch’s Castle Branch Manager said “AIB is honoured to be able to mark the life of Jerome O’Connor at our Lynch’s Castle branch. As soon as I became aware of the fate that befell Jerome, I knew AIB had to do all we could to support Noreen and the O’Connor family with this memorial.”
“We hope that this commemoration goes some way to pay tribute to Jerome’s courage on that fateful day and gives our customers and the people of Galway an opportunity to stop and pay their respects to Jerome too.”
Cathal Whiriskey, Project Director, John Sisk and Son, said, “We are thankful to be able to facilitate the installation of this Memorial Plaque for Jerome O’Connor on behalf of his widow, Noreen and are pleased that he will now be remembered by the people of Galway. His tragic death, while going about his daily work, should not be forgotten.”
The commemoration was supported by the Civic Commemoration and Naming Committee of Galway City Council, with Cllr John McDonagh, Cllr Terry O’Flaherty and Cllr Frank Fahy in attendance.
Cllr John McDonagh, Deputising for the Mayor of the City of Galway, said, “This is an important event not just for the family of Jerome O’Connor, but also for the people of Galway, to commemorate one of our own, who was tragically killed during the course of the working day collecting wages for his employer.”
“This lovely plaque, which was a collaboration between Sisk and AIB, is a fitting commemoration for Mr O’Connor in the iconic Lynch’s Castle. I’d like to thank AIB and Sisk for making this happen for Mr O’Connor’s wife, Noreen, and his family, and to relay the good wishes of Galway City Council’s Civic Naming and Commemorative Committee, who were supportive of this initiative”.
A Garda report on the incident states, “On the 15 August 1974, Jeremiah O’Connor of Terryland, Galway, Co. Galway was shot dead during an attempted wages snatch. An employee of John Sisk & Son Company had gone to the Allied Irish Bank, Lynch’s Castle to collect the weekly wages. After collecting the money, Mr O’Connor left the Bank and was confronted by two men, one of whom carried a sawn-off shotgun. Mr O’Connor was shot at point blank range. He died at the scene.”.
A full Garda investigation took place and two men with addresses in Belfast were charged with the murder. In the Special Criminal Court, a plea of manslaughter was accepted by the State, with the two men sentenced to ten years penal servitude.
Five other people, with addresses in Galway and Belfast, were charged with robbing Mr O’Connor of £1,557. Evidence was given that the accused were members of the INLA (Irish National Liberation Army).
