Street in Leitrim town could have its name changed in honour of late politician
The street in Carrick-on-Shannon could be named in honour of Sam Holt
A proposal is being considered to name a street in Carrick-on-Shannon after the late Fianna Fáil TD Samuel Holt.
Cllr Cormac Flynn proposed that Leitrim County Council begin the process of formally naming the road extending from the Landmark Hotel to the public car park known locally as Flynn's Field in honour of Sam Holt.
Cllr Flynn’s motion described Sam Holt as “a Carrick-on-Shannon native, 1916 veteran, survivor of a death sentence, and former TD,” and further asked that the Council engage with the Holt family, local historians, residents and relevant stakeholders as part of the process.
Speaking at a meeting of Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District, Cllr Flynn said he had been in contact with members of Sam Holt’s family and that they are “excited” about the prospect of naming the street in his honour.
Sam Holt was arrested in May 1916 and sentenced to death, a sentence which was later withdrawn. He was instead sentenced to internment at Frongoch internment camp in Wales.
He was a Sinn Féin TD for the Sligo Leitrim constituency before becoming one of the founding members of Fianna Fáil. He subsequently became a Fianna Fáil TD and died in office in 1929.
The motion was supported by councillors Paddy Farrell and Seán McGowan, with Cllr Farrell noting that a commemoration will be held in Drumhierny in his honour in October.
“Sam Holt played a big part in nationalism in this county,” he said.
Cllr Reynolds queried the costs involved, noting that while it is nice to recognise historical figures, there are other unnamed streets that could also be considered for naming.
Director of Services Mary Quinn explained that there is legislation governing the renaming of a street. However, because this stretch of road is currently unnamed, the process needs to be clarified in this case. She said the main cost associated with naming the street would be signage.
A Council response stated, “Leitrim County Council can consider the proposal having regard to relevant legislative provisions and local policies.”