Mayor Helen Ogbu opens 'beautiful' new Galway park
The design and development of the park became reality thanks to partnership between Galway City Council; Councillor Clodagh Higgins and several national bereavement support organisations.
Mayor of Galway city Helen Ogbu officially opened Galway’s newest park on Tuesday.
New memorial garden An Gairdín Síorghrá or The Garden of Eternal Love was opened at Quincentennial Park in Salthill in honour of families who have lost their babies.
An Gairdín Síorghrá is a peaceful and reflective space where families can remember, comfort and heal and for others to acknowledge the experiences of grief and bereavement felt by affected families.
The design and development of the park became reality thanks to partnership between Galway City Council; Councillor Clodagh Higgins and several national bereavement support organisations.
The Council worked closely with Féileacáin, Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Support Ireland; FirstLight; LMC Bereavement Support; A Little Lifetime Foundation; and The Miscarriage Association of Ireland to ensure the garden would provide an inclusive and sensitive space for remembrance.
These bereavement support groups played a key role in the design of the garden with Mayor Ogbu saying “their experience and understanding have ensured that this garden has been developed with bereaved families at its heart”.
Speaking at the unveiling, Cllr Ogbu said: “This is a beautiful space, but we must also remember why it was created, to provide a place of remembrance and reflection for families who have experienced pregnancy loss, miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal death.
“For many families, this grief can be profound and, at times, invisible. Today, Galway is saying clearly: your loss matters, your child is remembered, and your grief has a place here.
“I want to acknowledge Councillor Clodagh Higgins, whose representations on behalf of families helped bring this project forward, and Galway City Council's Recreation and Amenity section for taking the project forward with such care.”
“Most importantly, I want to recognise the five national bereavement support organisations who were involved in shaping this garden. I am particularly touched by the name An Gairdín Síorghrá - The Garden of Eternal Love. Because love does not end with loss.”