Áit Aoibheann Official Opening

The sun was shining on Friday October 27th for the very special occasion of the official opening of Áit Aoibheann sensory garden, located on the grounds of Duhallow Primary Healthcare Centre in Newmarket.

Fr Francis Manning blessed the garden and performed the official opening with an inspiring reflection. The garden features a beautiful wall mural which was a collaborative project of poetry and art with local artists Mike Guerin and Brid Moynahan, with Brid as the artistic director of the project.

Local poets John P Blake and John Thade Curtin also kindly agreed to use this special space to display their work and local stonework mason John O’Keeffe sourced exquisite granite, and in discussion with Brid provided two outstanding displays for their poetry.

Helena O’Keeffe very kindly donated a bird feeder and lovely new plants which are due to be planted in the spring. Pat O’Sullivan and his team at FRS erected secure fencing for the garden. Anthony Browne of Elegant Hedges and Landscaping provided a shelter belt and a beautiful central tree. Jerry Guiney has very generously volunteered to help maintain and develop this sensory garden.

It is hoped that all will feel welcome to come and reflect in this “safe haven” and afford themselves an opportunity to reflect on the richness of our past and remember special people in their lives with respect and dignity.

Fr Francis Manning blesses the garden.

Fr Francis Manning, Brid Moynahan and Dr Zelie Gaffney Daly

John P. Blake and Dr. Zelie Gaffney Daly.

John Thade Curtin.

Brid Moynihan

John Thade Curtin, Brid Moynahan, John P Blake and Dr Zelie Gaffney Daly.