A Night of Remembrance in Killinarden sees 150 people remembering loved ones
By Aideen O'Flaherty
OVER 150 people attended a Night of Remembrance at the Killinarden Community Centre on Tuesday evening, where they hung stars and decorations on a large Christmas tree in memory of loved ones who have died.
Killinarden man Paul Griffin decided to organise the event after seeing how much the local community supported him and his family when a relative of his tragically died earlier this year, and wanted to create a community event where everyone could remember their loved ones.
Senator Lynn Ruane and Hilda Hamilton with Paul and Reuben Griffin at the Night of Remembrance in Killinarden last Tuesday evening
Mr Griffin told The Echo: “Given the night that was in it, it was great that a lot of people came down to the Night of Remembrance.
“There was a real sense of unity, and some people brought their own stars to hang on the tree and brought pictures of their loved ones.
“Quite a few people approached me during the event, and they were emotional but very thankful that they had an opportunity to be around other people who are struggling and who are dealing with loss as well.”
Pupils from Cnoc Mhuire Senior School made the decorations that people hung on the tree in memory of their loved ones, and the Knocklyon Gospel Choir performed on the night.
Senator Lynn Ruane, who is from Killinarden, spoke at the Night of Remembrance and said that it was a positive thing to see an event like the Night of Remembrance taking place in the local community.
“The atmosphere was quite sombre,” explained Mr Griffin, “but at the end of the night, after the priest had blessed the tree, all of the people were mixing and mingling.”
Mr Griffin added that he wanted to say thank you to Hilda Hamilton, the manager of the Killinarden Community Centre, and her team for helping with the event, Audrey Kelly for making the tea and sandwiches, Mace in Killinarden for their support, and all of the businesses who donated prizes that were given away at the free raffle held after the event.
