Tree of Hope takes root in town park

IN a secluded and peaceful part of Kanturk Town Park, the newly planted Tree of Hope and accompanying bench will be a place of reflection for all those who have lost a loved one to suicide, and a beacon of hope for those suffering from mental illness.

The project was co-ordinated by Margaret O’Callaghan of Charleville Suicide Awareness Group and Mary Corkery from Kilbrin who lost her son Padraig to suicide on September 10th nine years ago.

Margaret O’Callaghan told The Corkman that her journey with the project began shortly after she lost her son Frankie, 22, and her brother Paul, 25. “There were so many suicides all around North Cork and, indeed, country wide at the time, so I thought I would try to raise awareness,” Margaret said.

With assistance from Ballyhoura Development Association, she established the Charleville group and went on to organise 15 commemorative benches and trees in different villages and towns to date. On each bench there is a plaque with the phone numbers for the Samaritans and Pieta House, instantly accessible to anyone who may need help.

At the planting ceremony, Fr. John Magner prayed for continued support for those with mental health issues and for all who work in this area. “We remember today all who died by suicide, we ask the Lord to stay close to those who are bereaved by the suicide of someone they love, we know Photos: Sheila Fitzgerald

how deeply they are saddened by this,” Fr. John said.

Hollie Corkery sang a moving version of ‘Jealous of the Angels’ and Mary Murray read a poem. Kanturk Men’s Shed Group were on hand to help with the planting, and had already prepared the base for the bench.

The ceremony closed with the releasing of balloons bearing the inscription ‘Always loved and never forgotten’.

The Kanturk Suicide Awareness Group have put in place a facility to help people who are suffering from depression, anxiety or bereavement which is funded by the group.

Mary (counsellor) can be contacted at 063 89564 or 087 3162257.

Balloons with the message ‘Always loved and never forgotten’ were released following the planting.

Mary Corkery, Kilbrin, and Margaret O’Callaghan, Charleville, who co-ordinated the Kanturk Tree of Hope Project pictured with Eddie Walsh and Donie Mannix of the local Men’s Shed Group at the Tree planting ceremony in Kanturk Town Park.

Fr. John Magner, Theresa Grimes, Joan Roche and Mary Murphy pictured at the Tree of Hope planting ceremony in Kanturk Town Park.

Carmel Galvin, Billy Grimes, Noreen O’Callaghan and Margaret Scarry pictured at the Tree of Hope planting in Kanturk Town Park.

Helen Healy, Alice Clernon, Eddie Clernon and Tim Healy pictured at the Tree of Hope planting.

Margaret O’Mahony, Catherine Lehane and Cathleen O’Callaghan attended the Tree of Hope planting ceremony.

Hollie Corkery sang ‘Jealous of the Angels’ at the ceremony.

Mary Murray recited a poem.