Given the very focused Israeli strategy of infanticide, which has resulted in a disproportionately high number of children making up the civilian death toll, we have frequently expressed our horror at the wilful extinguishing of young life. No vigil passes where the fate of children in Gaza fails to get mentioned. Children leaving the only world they will ever have known - some too young to be even cognizant of their surroundings - have taken up a large portion of our psychological world.
On the particular Saturday, the second West Street vigil of 2026, I would like to shift our gaze away from destruction, desolation, death. Rather than focus on children that have involuntarily left the world, I would like to draw attention to a child that has just come into the world. The new arrival is the son of our esteemed colleague Stephani Kirwan and her partner Ryan Brennan.
For Drogheda Stands With Palestine, Stephanie, over the past two years, has been a driving force behind what we do. Inspirational, selfless, she has often delivered motivational speeches at these vigils. Often she would be accompanied by her daughter. On at least one occasion, her partner Ryan - fresh from having scored a wonder free kick the previous evening at Athlone during Drogheda United's magnificent and successful cup run - stood on the periphery of the vigil caring for the child while Stephanie spoke with passion and anger.
As a visitor to the Occupied Territories, Stephanie can speak with first hand knowledge of what conditions are like for those forced to live under the jackboot of Israeli occupation. Outside of these weekly vigils she has immersed herself in campaign work which on occasion has taken the form of fundraisers in McHugh's at which she has communicated to her audience the dire need for more people to become involved in opposing the genocide.
A matter of weeks ago, heavily pregnant, she arrived at my house after which I accompanied her as she went about aid work, on this occasion for a project not associated with Gaza. A truly wonderful human being who, despite now being a mother of two, will continue to reach out to others including the mothers and children in Gaza. For we Drogheda United fans - a few of us here are season ticket holders - Ryan Brenna, as Drogs captain . . . well, he is a great guy too!
Hearty congratulations to both Stephanie and Ryan and a warm welcome to their son, a companion for their daughter to fuss over.
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