Sod turned on memorial to late Mayo Private Billy Kedian

THE sod has been officially turned on a new memorial to the late Mayo Private Billy Kedian.

The Ballyhaunis native died on peacekeeping duties in Lebanon in May 1999 having saved the lives of 14 colleagues after they came under fire.

Private Kedian is being honoured in Ballyhaunis with a memorial and local Councillor John Cribbin turned the sod on Friday.

Works will start this coming week.

Councillor Cribben has long called for Pte. Kedian's bravery to be acknowledged in his home county and by the State.

The Friends of Private Billy Kedian group shared a photo of the sod turning on their Facebook page where Councillor Cribbin was joined by Marian Regan, JT Smyth, Joe Fitzmaurice, Micheal Lenahan and Gerry O'Boyle.

The memorial is due to be unveiled on July 20, on what would have been Pte. Kedian's 47th birthday.

A fundraising campaign is underway for the memorial project – donations can be made at https://www.idonate.ie/crowdfunder/FriendsofprivateBillyKedian.