Tree planting ceremony to remember people who lost lives to coronavirus

A CHAMPION uilleann piper from Tallaght performed at a tree planting ceremony in Leinster House last week, in memory of people in the State who lost their lives to coronavirus.

St Maelruain’s Park resident Eamonn Walsh performed at the event on the lawns in Leinster House, to a crowd of Oireachtas staff and politicians.

Mr Walsh played a number of songs on the day, including ‘Róisín Dubh’ and ‘Mná na hÉireann’, which added to the ambiance of the moving ceremony.

“Cathaoirleach Jerry Buttimer thanked me for the moving performance before inviting the attendees to a minute’s silence,” Mr Walsh told The Echo.

“Following a minute’s silence, Cathaoirleach Jerry Buttimer planted a tree in memory of all who lost their lives during the pandemic.

“Following the planting of the tree, I finished the proceedings with ‘Sí Beag Sí Mór’ and ‘Carolan’s Concerto’.”

However, this was not Mr Walsh’s first time in the corridors of power, as he made history when he performed in the Dáil chamber last year.

It was a historical moment as it marked the first time music had ever been played in the chamber, and it was part of an event held to commemorate 100 years since the Seanad was established.

Commenting on his experience of the tree planting ceremony last week, and what it meant to him and all who gathered, Mr Walsh said it was an important moment of remembrance.

“It was a solemn event of remembrance but also an opportunity to celebrate our resilience throughout the pandemic,” he explained.

“The tree will be an ongoing symbol of remembrance and a symbol of hope in Leinster House.”

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