Memorial bench tribute to members of the community

BAWNOGUE Community Centre held a tea dance and memorial bench ceremony as part of this year’s Bealtaine Festival.

The tea dance was held at the community centre on Tuesday, May 10, as part of the month-long festival run by South Dublin County Council, which celebrates arts and creativity as we age.

The centre held a tea dance when Covid-19 restrictions eased last November, and following the success of the event, decided to hold one again to celebrate Bealtaine Festival.

Members enjoyed cakes and sandwiches as well as entertainment from a DJ and karaoke on the day.

A memorial bench, which was donated by Crosscare, was also unveiled at the centre on the day with a plaque on it as a tribute to the members at the centre who have sadly passed away over the past couple of years.

Manager of Bawnogue Community Centre, Dolores Byrne, told The Echo: “Bawnogue men’s group have been here for eight or nine years, and they have lost a few members over the past couple of years, and it became more noticeable during Covid.

“We decided that we would dedicate a bench in memory of all of those who have passed away.

“The ceremony went really well,” Dolores added.

“Eamonn Drummond, the spokesperson for the Bawnogue Men’s Club gave a little speech and another member of the group read out the names of those who have passed and rather than a minute of silence, they gave a round of applause to celebrate their lives.”