A CRUSADING Co Galway doctor who spent much time involved in social work is to be honoured with a memorial made of blue Himalayan granite which will be unveiled in his adopted home town of Glenamaddy this Friday, August 15th.
The people of Glenamaddy and surrounding areas hope the memorial to Dr Patrick Geraghty, which will have a water fountain, a seat and an abstract stone dolmen, will be a fitting memorial to the countless community initiatives in which he was involved during his years there.
The popular GP died in December 2004.
While he was a native of nearby Ballygar, he is fondly remembered in Glenamaddy for his foresight in initiating and progressing a variety of projects in his adopted town.
The money for the memorial has been donated by Glenamaddy business people, individuals and householders.
Local monumental sculptor Paul Murphy is putting the finishing touches to the memorial in his workshop.
"Dr Geraghty was a family friend as well as being our GP and he did so much brilliant work for the people of this area that it is fitting that he is being remembered by the erection of the memorial in the St Bridget's Close voluntary housing development, with which he was so involved," Mr Murphy said.
As well as helping to provide housing for the elderly in Glenamaddy, Dr Geraghty was involved in setting up a cottage hospital and nursing home, Áras Bride, an equestrian centre, an airstrip and a voluntary fire service.
After viewing a series of drawings for the memorial, Mr Murphy he commissioned a firm in India to make the main parts of the feature in blue Himalayan granite.
"It is appropriate that it comes from the area where the world's highest mountain is, as Dr Geraghty climbed many mountains to get things done for the people of this area.
"The dolmen part of the feature is very different from the usual dolmen and I think that people will appreciate the abstract art style of the memorial."
Donnie Keaveney of the Glenamaddy Residents and Traders Association said they expected a large attendance at the Mass and unveiling ceremony on Friday evening.
The memorial will be located beside where residents are cared for at the Dr Geraghty-inspired Áras Bride residential home and Cottage Hospital and the adjacent St Brigid's Close residential units.