Memorial Garden Project 1916 – 2016

Memorial Garden Project 1916 – Ireland 2016 marks the centenary of the Easter Rising in 1916, a seminal moment on IrelandÕs journey to independence. Pictured at the Memorial Gardens opening and reed laying at Kilmallock Area Offices was Irish Defence Forces marching. Picture: Oisin McHugh/FusionShooters

The idea for a memorial garden started at a meeting of GCRA on ideas on how to improve Grange and its environs for the benefit of all in the community.  Patrick O’Sullivan, Lough Gur house kindly donated a small area of woodland beside the church to enable the project. Lough Gur house is synonymous with local history and indeed was the meeting place for the IRA volunteers the day of the historic Grange Ambush.  All information about the house and indeed all local history of Grange was recently publish in the very successful Grange Book which will also be available for purchase on the day.

The garden project work was overseen by members of the GCRA  to complete the works. The garden was designed by Grange Cross Residents Assoc Ltd and plans were drawn up.

The gardens consisted of a cobbled pathway, kindly supplied and laid by  Willie Lawlor to whom the committee were very thankful. Seven trees to commemorate the seven signatories of the proclamation, two natural stone monuments commemorating the rising of 1916 and all who fought and died for Ireland at this historic time.  The garden was beautifully laid out with lawn and hedging to finish off the completed look. Two flags were flown on the day of the opening, 24 April 2016, the Tricolour and the 1916 Flag.

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The garden is for all members of the community and shows a dedication by Grange people to the history of Ireland and  also to the local people who lived and died for Ireland.

Ireland 2016 marks the centenary of the Easter Rising in 1916, a seminal moment on IrelandÕs journey to independence.
Pictured at the Memorial Gardens opening and reed laying at Kilmallock Area Offices was Captain Paddy McNamara, Irish Defence Force.
Picture: Oisin McHugh/FusionShooters

The opening ceremony for the 1916 memorial garden, Grange, Kilmallock, Co Limerick  was on Sunday 24 April at 2pm. 

The opening entailed a parade along with the Armed Forces, The Retired United Nations officers;  and  representatives of all local clubs and associations had participated.

The noted Author Tom Toomey gave an oration in English and the Irish oration was given by Eamon OHogain.

The official opening of the garden was done by Michael Noonan T.D. Acting Minister of State.

Traditional live music was playing throughout the ceremony. Local resident Triona  Daly (O’Donnell)  graced us with her amazing voice.

Children from Bruff National School also gave us a great performance and delighted us with their “proclamation for the future”

The laying of wreaths was done by local people and relatives of those who died in the Caherguillamore shootings of local volunteers by British Forces (all historical details about this and many more historical events are in the Grange Book).

Refreshments were also available on the day and the Committee have worked tirelessly to put on an entertaining and informative event which included a memorial pamphlet which everyone took home with them as a remembrance token from the day.

Ireland 2016 marks the centenary of the Easter Rising in 1916, a seminal moment on IrelandÕs journey to independence.
Pictured at the Memorial Gardens opening and reed laying at Kilmallock Area Offices was Liam Galvin, Mayor of the City and County of Limerick laying a wreath.
Picture: Oisin McHugh/FusionShooters

For more stories about the 1916 Rising click here