Rowley Regis road named in soldier's honour
A Black Country soldier, who was described as the finest of his generation by the Ministry of Defence following his death in Afghanistan, has had a street named in his honour.
Captain Sean Dolan, from Rowley Regis, was killed in Helmand Province in 2007 during an operation with US and Afghan troops.
Members of his family, including Captain Dolan's mother Daphne, were joined by representatives from the Mercian Regiment and local Royal British Legion branches as around 80 people attended the ceremony to mark the official opening of Sean Dolan Close.
The road, in Rowley Regis, is part of a new development off Carnegie Road, on the site of the former William Lench manufacturing works.
The 40-year-old officer, who was an avid Wolves fan, served with the 1st Battalion, the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment.
He was laid to rest with full military honours at Chester Cathedral following his death. Molineux anthem Hi Ho Silver Lining rang out during the service.
A plan to name a road after Captain Dolan had been in the offing since his death, with an appropriate development in his home town now available.
Residents living on the new development were leafleted to be made aware of Captain Dolan's background. Veterans from the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment were also in attendance.
The tribute was the idea of Rowley Regis councillor Bob Price. He said: "When I was asked to name a road for the new builds I asked the permission of the family to name it after Sean Dolan. He was the 62nd soldier to die in Afghanistan and sacrificed his life. I think everyone came away from it happy and there were lots of people there. It was a fitting tribute to him."
Captain Dolan, or 'Dollar' as he was known, joined the army in 1983 and quickly rose through the ranks.
He was observing Taliban fighters from a vantage point when he was killed by a mortar round. He was awarded a Meritorious Service Medal shortly before his death.
