Community gathers around Rotary Tree of Remembrance

Rotary Carlow launched its 15th annual Remembrance Tree campaign on Friday evening, 12 December, with a “fantastic” turn out.

Over the next week, people of all faiths and backgrounds can purchase ribbons in honour of their loved ones and tie them to the tree on Barrack Street.

The initiative has raised over €80,000 for local charities since its inception 15 years ago. This year's proceeds will support St Vincent de Paul, Éist Cancer Support Centre, Bethany House Day Centre (Alzheimer's Society), and Delta Centre Carlow.

“The event was very special”, said treasurer Caroline Cunningham, “made so by the moving comments of our guest speakers.” The crowd were welcomed by Peter Pudaite, president of Rotary Carlow, who then introduced the ceremony's guest speaker Eimear Ní Bhraonáin, author of "The Dodger." Mayor of Carlow town, Paul Doogue, also addressed attendees during the ceremony.

In her remarks, Eimear reflected on Emily Dickinson's poem "Hope is the thing with feathers," considering its message of persistent hope. "Even in times of loss and sadness, hope remains with us — often quietly, gently, but persistently," she said. Connecting this to the tree, she said it offers "a space where love and loss meet, where memory is honoured, and where comfort can be found in knowing we are not alone in our grief."

Bishop Nulty blessed the tree with holy water, and Rev Fitzgerald offered additional prayers for those remembered and those who grieve. The Carlow Community Choir, under the direction of Mary Amond O'Brien, performed "Mary's Boy Child" and "Silent Night". The attendees were invited to join the final carol, singing together around the illuminated tree.

Peter Pudaite thanked all who attended the opening ceremony and the many volunteers who make the campaign possible. Each year, the event draws 120 volunteers, including 60 transition year students from St Leo's College, Gaelcholáiste Cheatharlach, Knockbeg, Presentation College, and Tyndall College.

"The Remembrance Tree represents the very best of our community”, he said, noting that the club was grateful for the support of civic leaders, charity partners and sponsors during the busy Christmas season.

The initiative has also extended beyond Carlow, and those living abroad can remember loved ones by donating through the campaign website or the QR code. After Christmas, all ribbons are taken down and blessed at Carlow Cathedral on the second Sunday in January.