Tree of Remembrance launched at UPMC Kildare
Larry Mackey General Manager of UPMC and John O'Dea president of Naas Rotary at Rotary Club Remembrance Tree Photos: Jimmy Fullam
UPMC Kildare Hospital and Naas Rotary Club launched the Tree of Remembrance at the hospital in Clane. The event brought together community leaders, students, and local residents to honour loved ones and support an important cause.
The evening began with a warm welcome from UPMC Kildare Hospital's General Manager, Larry Mackey, who extended a special acknowledgment to the Transition Year students of Scoil Mhuire Clane.
Continuing their tradition, these students will assist with caring for the tree and managing collections as part of their Gaisce and TY awards programmes.
Rotary Club President, John O’Dea, and Rotary International President, Kora Byrne, were in attendance, with Father Paul O’Boyle leading the ceremony.
This year’s chosen charity is The Children’s Grief Space, a vital support service based in the Clane Community Centre that helps children cope with loss. Fr O’Boyle spoke passionately about the charity’s role in the community and its impact on young lives.
The ceremony featured meaningful contributions, including the placement of the first two remembrance ribbons by John O’Dea and Larry Mackey. Kora Byrne lit the ceremonial candle, symbolising hope and remembrance, followed by readings and prayers from an array of staff at UPMC Kildare Hospital.
The event concluded with a fantastically uplifting performance of carols by Clane’s Choir.
