Celebrating history at the Joe Stanley 1916 garden
LOCAL and natural history is now being celebrated at the Joe Stanley 1916 Garden with a series of additions being made to it.
The garden on John Street was developed by Drogheda Tidy Towns Committee and now boasts an information sign, giving a brief history of the life of local man Joe Stanley, and his important role in the 1916 Rising and early part of the Free State. Tom Reilly did the research on Joe Stanley which was used in creating the sign.
The second development in the park is a Tree Trail. Áine Walsh of Drogheda Tidy Towns worked with local artist Breda Marron on this project to find a sensitive, creative, robust and informative way of naming the trees that would be accessible for all to read, yet respectful of this historical area.
Elias Mlimbila of the Parks section in Louth County Council assisted with tree identification and Frances Gogarty undertook the stone carving to Breda’s drawing and naming specifications. Eddie Phelan provided engineering support.
The finished products are six limestone pillars, engraved with the common and Latin tree name, and a picture of the leaf, seed /flower. Each pillar is approx. 900ml tall, so ideal reading height for both children and adults.