Giant sunflower in Duckett’s Grove is a symbol of hope
Carlow Mental Health teamed up with Tullow Men's Shed and commissioned this wonderful sunflower in Duckett's Grove
A GIANT sunflower with its big, happy face was unveiled in Duckett’s Grove recently to create awareness about positive mental health.
“We’re excited about it because people walk out there in Duckett’s Grove, they’ll see it and maybe start a conversation about mental health,” explained Lynette Madley, chairperson of Carlow Mental Health Association.
The beautiful sculpture came about after a collaboration between many organisations.
Back in February this year, Rory McGuinness organised a fundraiser in aid of Carlow Mental Health Association in Racy Byrne’s pub in memory of a friend who had died by suicide. The association then had to decide how best to spend the money so it was decided that a piece of art that would prompt conversations about people’s mental health would be the best way of investing it.
It was then decided to get members of Tullow Men’s Shed on board because the whole idea behind the men’s shed organisation is to encourage conversations among men about how they’re feeling and because the members of Tullow Men’s Shed can turn their hand to anything!
Three public representatives – cllrs William Paton and Fergal Browne s well as Catherine Callaghan TD – donated money to the project and the men got to work on the sculpture. It was finally unveiled on Duckett’s Grove walled garden on World Suicide Prevention Day, 10 September.
At the unveiling, Lynette said a few words to welcome the crowd, while Gina Delaney, development officer with Mental Health Ireland, spoke about the organisation’s work. Members of Carlow Mental Health Association and Tullow Men’s Shed were in attendance, as were other supporters and contributors to the project.
“The sunflower is very pretty. It’s very visible. It’s the result of a collaboration between many people and that’s what it’s about – reaching out and getting people to talk,” conclude Lynette.
“This isn’t just any sculpture. It’s a symbol of hope, remembrance and community strength,” said Jason Culleton, a member of Carlow Mental Health Committee.
