Memorial to jackie and tom blaine erected in castlebar

IN their lifetimes, Jackie and Tom Blaine knew the corner of Newantrim/Linenhall and Tucker streets very well. Though originally from Burren, deep in the countryside, this was the area they called ‘home’.

They traversed the junction daily, Jackie often moving about at nighttime, mug in hand, seeking a refill of tea.

That refill was always forthcoming. Local publicans always saw to it that Jackie was never without a fresh infusion, free gratis of course.

Members of the licensed trade in these old Castlebar streets may not have engaged Jackie much in conversation for he was a quiet individual, but they always looked after him when it came to a ‘cuppa’.

Now a memorial to Jackie and Tom, who died in their home in the summer of 2013, has been erected outside Rocky’s pub at the junction of Linenhall, Tucker and Newantrim streets. It takes a simple form, a bench upon which people can sit and rest.

Inscribed on this low seat is symbol of a cross and an inscription which reads: ‘Erected in memory of Jackie and Tom Blaine by Paul Dunne (a cousin of the brothers) and the people of Castlebar’.

Construction work on the memorial seat has been completed and it is expected there will be a formal unveiling in the near future.

Meanwhile, the trial of a man accused of the murder of the elderly Blaine brothers in Castlebar has been fixed for July 2016.

Jackie (70) and Tom (68) were found dead by a care worker when she called to their home.