People Before Profit Dublin Central by-election candidate Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin launched a new fundraiser t-shirt with the Wheelock family at the weekend in the Diamond Park, Dublin 1, with proceeds going towards local community organisations in Dublin's North Inner City.
The t-shirt is linked to the campaign to rename Diamond Park as Terence Wheelock Memorial Diamond Park, a campaign Eoghan helped launch alongside the Wheelock family, gathering thousands of signatures across the North Inner City last year and collecting close to 3,000 more supporters online.
Terence Wheelock died in September 2005 after being taken into Garda custody in June at the age of 20. His family have campaigned for justice ever since, calling for an independent public inquiry.
The t-shirt, which is on sale now, features a Dublin street-sign style design bearing the proposed name "Terence Wheelock Memorial Park", with "Forever 20" on the back. It was designed by local artist Jen Mongey-Balfe.
Speaking at the launch, Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin said:
"This campaign is about justice for Terence, dignity for his family and making sure he is permanently memorialised in the community he came from. It was an honour to work alongside the Wheelock family. They have shown unbelievable strength and determination over two decades. I'm proud to support this fundraiser for community organisations doing vital work locally."
Sammy Wheelock, brother of Terence, said:
"For nearly twenty years our family has fought for truth and justice for Terence. We have never stopped because we know what happened to our brother should never happen to another family. This is also about holding police and power to account, and respect for working-class communities. We want Terence remembered properly in the community he came from and loved. I want to thank Eoghan for the support and work he has put into this campaign. He stood with us on the doors, spoke up publicly and helped build support right across the North Inner City."
The campaign to rename the park was supported by an alliance of councillors, including People Before Profit Councillor Conor Reddy, who sits on Dublin City Council's Commemorations and Naming Committee and has campaigned closely alongside the Wheelock family over the last five years.
Cllr Reddy brought a motion to the Commemorations and Naming Committee calling for the renaming which put it on to the agenda for the December 2025 City Council meeting alongside a separate proposal concerning Herzog Park. Both proposals were withdrawn by the Chief Executive and Lord Mayor, citing legal issues with the renaming process.
Councillors have challenged the government regarding the Minister's failure to enact the protocols for renaming.
Councillor Conor Reddy said:
"The Wheelock family have built enormous support across the community for this proposal and deserve to be treated with respect. There are serious questions about why this process has been stalled. Councillors will continue pushing for the renaming to proceed and for proper clarity around the guidelines local authorities are expected to follow. We will continue fighting to have the Diamond Park renamed in Terence's honour, in keeping with the wishes of thousands of people across the City."
To support and buy a t-shirt, follow this link: https://www.eoc.ie/t-shirt-pay-1