A community in Athlone, Co Westmeath has unveiled a monument in remembrance of 13 soldiers who fought in Jadotville and who all lived on the same street.
The soldiers, who lived on Assumption Road in Athlone, were among a group around 150 Irish troops sent to protect the town of Jadotville in 1961, after the UN feared widespread bloodshed when part of The Congo, known as Katanga, declared independence.
The heavily outnumbered Irish force came under attack on 13 September that year and managed to defend their post for several days against 3,000 Katangese soldiers and mercenaries.
They held out for five days of fierce fighting before lack of water and other supplies left the troops, led by Commandant Pat Quinlan, with no choice but to surrender.
The soldiers survived more than 30 days in captivity before their release was secured on 25 October 1961.
Leo Quinlan, son of the late Commandant Pat Quinlan, officially unveiled the monument on Assumption Road this afternoon along with Mayor of Athlone Vinny McCormack.
Residents on Assumption Road have been planning to unveil this monument for some time but were prevented because of Covid restrictions.
In 2017, the soldiers and the families of deceased members of the infantry were presented with medals honouring their bravery and courage.
