Ballyer memorial page is a hit with 8,000 people
By Maurice Garvey
ESTABLISHING a memorial page to remember loved ones from Ballyfermot last year turned out to be a simple but powerful social outlet for the community.
Legends of Ballyer RIP celebrated its one-year anniversary, with a moving ceremony at the Church of Transformation in Cherry Orchard on Friday night.
The Legends of Ballyer Facebook page was established by Cedar Brook resident David ‘Dotsy’ Byrne, and proved an instant hit, gaining up to 8,000 members in a short space of time.
The page is updated with tributes, pictures and supportive messages on an almost daily basis, and has become a useful emotional outlet for bereaved family members mourning loved ones.
“One of the great things about the page is that it gets people talking to each other,” said Dotsy.
He continued: “There was between 300-400 at the service. Fr Michael delivered the sermon, the choir sang, kids from St Ultan’s art class created the cut-out wording for the display, and we had all the photos of late family members together on the altar – it was really great.”
The Beermats performed at the service, and are working on a single about the Legends page.
“Any proceeds from the sale of the single will go towards Our Lady’s Childrens Hospital,” said Dotsy.
Afterwards, the service continued to Cherry Orchard Park, where members of the Stone Soup Project launched a specially made plaque in the memorial garden to remember those who passed away.
Tributes poured in for the event with many praising the “beautiful service and video”, the latter of which is available to view on YouTube.
Anita Koppenhofer cited how important it was “for people to gather together and be allowed to feel emotional”, thanking “organisers and each person who was there.”
Mary Crosbie said it was a “beautiful tribute to all our loved ones who had to leave us”, and expressed hope that the recently bereaved “took some comfort from the community joining together.”
