Plaque Unveiled to Honour James Franey
A commemorative plaque was unveiled today in Halliday Square, Stonybatter, by the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Ray McAdam, marking the life and civic generosity of James Franey, whose donation of land to Dublin Corporation in 1997 created Halliday Park as a lasting public amenity for the people of the city.
James Franey was born in 1912 and lived at 32 Viking Road, Stoneybatter. He worked for many years as a baker in Boland’s Mills and was closely involved in community life in the area. He was a founding member of the Halston Street Parish Credit Union and was widely regarded as someone who took a practical, hands-on interest in his neighbourhood.
After his retirement, Franey purchased the plot of land at Halliday Square, which he cultivated and maintained over a long period. As he grew older and was no longer able to manage the site, he made a significant and generous decision. On 28 July 1997, he donated the land to the people of Dublin through Dublin Corporation.
That act of civic generosity ensured the long-term protection of Halliday Park as a public amenity. The park has since become an important shared resource for the local community, used for recreation, informal gatherings, and quiet enjoyment, and it continues to play a valued role in the life of the area.
Speaking at the unveiling, Lord Mayor of Dublin Cllr Ray McAdam said, “Heroes come in many forms and James is one of the most intriguing to whom we have erected a plaque anywhere in the city. The space James donated to the people here has become a valued community amenity, used by local residents for recreation, quiet reflection, and neighbourhood events and gatherings. His gift has become a focal point of community life in Oxmantown and an enduring benefit to the wider city.”
The decision to erect the plaque was made by the Dublin City Council Commemorations & Naming Committee, whose chair, Councillor Donna Cooney, said, “The Commemorative Plaques Scheme allows the City to formally commemorate people who have made a significant contribution to the life of Dublin. We welcome suggestions from the public for people and events to be commemorated. Full details are on the Council website.”
The plaque was proposed by James Franey’s descendants. The Council also acknowledges the cooperation of Margaret Ryan, owner of 27 Halliday Square, who granted permission for the plaque to be installed.
