Tranquilreminder oflovedoneslost

TUCKED away just off the hustle and bustle of Shop Street is a peaceful sanctuary, where the only noise is the gentle trickle of running water, and the occasional drone of a passing bee.

The new memorial garden at the Augustinian Church is the result of months of quiet labour, which saw a dark and dingy yard to the side of the church transformed into a bright and beautiful garden.

“It is 99% complete, and we are looking forward to its official opening next month,” explains Fr Colm O’Mahoney OSA, who has been one of the driving forces behind the project.

“It is primarily to remember those who have died on our roads or by suicide, however, we hope everyone who wants to honour the memory of a loved one will use it as a place for tranquil reflection.”

Preparation for the garden began last year with the unveiling of a magnificent wall mural by talented local artist Ciaran Dunleavy, inspired by the Harry Clarke stained glass window in the church. It is now joined by the focal point of a monument which will carry the names of those whom people wish to remember, no matter how they lost their lives.

“We were so grateful to O’Dowd’s shop for allowing us to use the wall, and we also received a grant from Louth County Council, but the rest was mostly from fundraising and generous donations,” explains Fr Colm. “People can purchase plaques to place the names of those they want to remember on the fountain monument,”

He says there is hardly anyone who hasn’t been touched by road deaths or suicide tragedies, and everyone was so generous with their time in creating the garden.

“Phil Conyngham was on the team and we had a great builder John McGovern. Harry McArdle also gave us use of heavy machinery for six weeks, and the local Men’s Shed group made the lovely benches for us, as well as help from AIB,” he explains. “The Presentation Sisters donated the statue of Our Lady, and volunteers from St John of God’s and the Red Door project keep the weeds under control.” However, the real stars of the show are the flowers and trees. “We were blessed to have the talents of Landscape Architect Aideen Morrissey, with the help of course of Florence Shields,” say Fr Colm. “It is a very sensory garden, with so much to see, smell and touch and we hope everyone will enjoy its use.” If you would like to place a name on a plaque, the cost is €75 and more information can be had from the church shop.