Source: FOOTYMAD
Unveiling of new memorial to the Markinch Boys
On Sunday a crowd of over 200 attended a brief but beautiful ceremony to mark the 40th anniversary of the deaths of five young lads from the same small village in the Ibrox Disaster. Thanks must go primarily to kevgers1 and campsie for the sterling work they have done in the run-up to the 40th anniversary - they have ensured that the Boys memories have been honoured in a tasteful and beautifully simple manner.In the summer a memorial bench was installed at Markinch Parish Church and trophies in their memory donated to the local school.Sunday saw the renovation of the original memorial stone and it's placement upon a larger plinth bearing the crests of Rangers and of the village or Markinch. The small memorial area has been upgraded and now features five sapling trees from the gardening section of Erskine House.Proceedings started with the local minister, Reverend Alex Forsyth, talking about the Boys and the tragedy that befell them and their families, about the donations from around the world which have come in to mark their passing. A lone piper, Mr Tom Williamson, then played Abide With Me and Amazing Grace. After prayers the minister read from Psalm 23 - The Lord Is My Shepherd - and the Gospel of John, Chapter 14 - Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled. Then, standing quietly in a normal residential street, the two hundred present recited the Lord's Prayer. The piper then played the lament "Dark Island."The actual unveiling of the memorial was done by Ian Paton (twin brother of Ronald) and Shane Fenton. Shane is a Celtic fan - he and the Boys played together for Markinch United - on the day of the Disaster he and two other Celtic fans walked with the Boys down to the CISWO club in Glenrothes where they boarded the rival supporters buses. Over the years Shane has done much to comfort the families and keep the memory of his pals alive. The ceremony was attended by Irene Munro and Jim Hannah representing Rangers FC. Rangers legends Willie Johnston and Dave Smith have supported the fundraising and were there too. Also present were representatives from many supporters clubs, the Rangers Supporters Assembly and the Rangers Supporters Trust. Pupils from the local school attended in uniform to show their respects. MSP Trisha Marwick and councillor John Beare represented the Scottish Parliament and Fife Council.Family and friends then retired to the Wayfarers Inn for lunch. At this point Shane Fenton was presented with a shield in memory of the Boys which will be competed for at the Markinch Highland Games each summer.IN LOVING MEMORY - THE MARKINCH BOYSPeter EastonDouglas MorrisonRonald PatonMason PhilipBryan Todd
