President Higgins commends Thurles Memorial Garden
Uachtaráin na h-Éireann, President Michael D Higgins has commended the work of the Dúrlas Éile Eliogarty Memorial Committee in establishing and maintaining St Mary’s International Garden of Remembrance which has reached a quarter of a century this year.
In a letter to the committee, signed by His Excellency, President Higgins said that the memorial garden stands as a fitting tribute to those whose lives were given in the pursuit of peace, justice and freedom.
“The garden also honours, among others, the members of the Irish Defence Forces who lost their lives in service to UN peacekeeping missions, men and women who took part in the fight for Irish independence, and those members of An Garda Siochana who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty,” the letter states.
It continues: “St Mary’s Garden of Remembrance should not be seen as only a tribute to the fallen but also a call to all of us to work tirelessly for a world where war is no longer seen as inevitable, where diplomacy and co-operation replace violence, destruction and fer of the ‘Other’.
“Ethical remembrance calls on us not only to honour the past but also to shape a better future, one rooted in justice, solidarity and respect for human dignity.
“At a time when we witness so much suffering caused by war and conflict across the world, the importance of reaffirming our commitment to the principles of peace and reconciliation is even more urgent, values that are now needed more than ever.
“As President of Ireland, may I commend all those who have cared for this memorial over the years and those who continue to ensure that the stories of the fallen remain alive in the collective consciousness of their community. May this Garden of Remembrance continue to stand as a place of reflection, a source of solace for families and loved ones, and a lasting reminder of the profound cost of war and the necessity of peace,” the letter concludes.
It is fitting that the President should recognise the marvellous work undertaken by the committee at St Mary’s International Garden of Remembrance – a place which has been described in the past as a ‘hidden gem’ in the Cathedral Town. This hidden gem has played host to many touching and fitting ceremonial tributes down through the years, but the scale of day-to-day maintenance and caretaking work is enormous and requires many hours given freely on the part of the committee members and friends.
President Higgins’ congratulations reflect the appreciation of the general public for this wonderful work undertaken in Thurles in an oasis which has helped to put the Cathedral Town on the map in another way.
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