Year in Review 2020: June
By Aideen O'Flaherty
After weeks of the coronavirus pandemic dominating the headlines, marches in the US about police brutality and racism travelled across the Atlantic, as people in the area voiced their own experiences of racism and called for change.
Tallaght Athletic Club sprinter Joseph Ojewumi opened up about his experiences of racism in athletics.
Joseph, who was born in Nigeria, moved to England when he was six years old before relocating three years later to Clondalkin with his family.
Joseph suffered racial abuse based on the colour of his skin when he was growing up. (June 18 edition)
A large number of people lined the streets of Tallaght village in tribute and thanks to life-long community volunteer, Jim Lawlor, before he was laid to rest.
Mr Lawlor’s funeral was held in St Mary’s Priory in Tallaght and representatives from the many groups he was involved in formed a guard of honour. (June 11 edition)
Local garda stations in Tallaght and Ronanstown held a minute’s silence on Sunday, June 21 in memory of Detective Garda Colm Horkan who lost his life while on duty in Roscommon.
The minute’s silence was held in tandem with one that preceded Detective Garda Horkan’s funeral. (June 25 edition)
The Ballyfermot Tribute Garden carried out a small ceremony for UN Peacekeepers Day on Saturday, June 6. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, only a few members from the garden could engage in the tribute.
Two flower arrangements were placed by retired soldiers, Stephen Rynn and Mick Dillon. (June 11 edition)
Tallaght spoken-word poet Stephen James Smith released a poem called ‘Collectively Counting’.
The poem by the celebrated writer offered a snapshot of Dublin in the midst of lockdown, looking at themes of isolation, creativity, mental health, and capitalism. (June 11 edition)
Plans for work on a major €7.7m upgrade to Tallaght Stadium were passed by councillors at the June council meeting, in a move that was described by Cllr Charlie O’Connor as a ‘great story for the area’. (June 11 edition)
Pick up this week’s Echo for the full Year in Review for June 2020.
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