Tribute Garden recognises staff of emergency services
By Aideen O'Flaherty
MEMBERS of the public are invited to come along to the opening of the Ballyfermot Tribute Garden, in recognition of those in the locality who have served and are still serving in the Defence Forces and emergency services, at the Ballyfermot Civic Centre on Saturday, September 28, at 11am.
The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Paul McAuliffe, will be on-hand to open the garden and to unveil a plaque in recognition of locals who are or have been members of the Defence Forces and the emergency services.
The memorial plaque in Ballyfermot
There will be roadshows and displays from various organisations who will be present on the day, and floral tributes will also be laid by all of the groups involved in setting up the tribute garden.
Explaining who the people behind the tribute garden are, Melissa Egan, the secretary of the Ballyfermot Tribute Garden, told The Echo: “We are a small group of people from both military and emergency service backgrounds from Ballyfermot.
“We came together with the idea of how we could recognise, acknowledge and commemorate the many people – both male and female – of Ballyfermot, who have served and are still serving in many organisations and emergency services with respect, honour, and pride for their country.
“Those from Ballyfermot who have paid the ultimate price, while carrying out their duty, has to date been six, if not more. Some remain missing to this day.”
According to the group behind the garden, there has always been a sizeable contingent of Ballyfermot people in the Defence Forces and emergency services since the area started growing in 1940s, and as the population grew, so too did the number of enlisted people from the area.
Ms Egan explained that the group decided that the civic centre would be the ideal location for the garden, as it will give the opportunity “for people to stop and remember all those from Ballyfermot, and surrounding areas, who have dedicated their lives to these organisations.
“The memorial stonework will serve as a permanent thank you to all who have served and are still serving with pride.
“People passing can stop and remember their loved ones from Ballyfermot and surrounding areas. It is also hoped to have a roll of honour available in the civic offices for all to see, with permission from the families [of those who have died].
“We would like to thank the staff of Dublin City Council and the Parks Department who have supported us in this project.”
