Tree of Hope will give ‘extra visibility’ in church grounds

“We wanted extra visibility to ensure that our victims of suicide are never forgotten,” says ceremony organiser Caroline Corcoran as a new ‘Tree of Hope’ was planted in the grounds in front of Sacred Heart Church in Sruleen, Clondalkin last week, reports Ken Doyle.

The ‘Tree of Hope’ initiative was started in 2014 by Tallaght women Noeleen Fulham and Ashling Stanley. Their aim was to provide a lasting memorial to the families and friends of those left behind. The Echo provided that first ‘Tree of Hope’, which was planted in Dodder Valley Park.

Noeleen envisaged a focal point which would live, grow and strengthen, the branches almost enveloping the bereaved, comforting them with the message that their loved ones are not forgotten by the community.

In the ten years since, some 390 trees have been planted, each one generally festooned with distinctive yellow ribbons. The founders settled on the colour yellow to represent a welcome to the bereaved.

Speaking earlier this year, Noeleen told The Echo, “When people see the Tree of Hope and the yellow ribbons on it, they can be assured that they are in a friendly area and that they know they can reach out to someone and that is the message that comes across.”

The planting was organised by Caroline Corcoran, a Clondalkin woman whose life was deeply impacted by the suicide of a family member.

Caroline told The Echo, “We had already planted a tree at the back of the church, but since Covid, and the associated mental health problems people have experienced, we wanted to bring the subject into even sharper focus. Hopefully the new tree will tell people suffering that they’re not alone.”

Guest speaker at the service was John Quinn, a noted mental health campaigner, whose son Sean tragically took his own life in 2005.

The tree itself was donated by Sruleen Residents Association. Speaking after the ceremony, the association’s Chairperson Cllr William Carey said, “We were delighted to join the project when Caroline approached us. I myself have had some very difficult personal experience with suicide and was glad we could help out.”

For more information on this most important cause, please visit the ‘Tree of Hope’ Facebook page. Donations are never asked for but always welcome.