Mother Of Young Cork Girl Who Died Last Year Says Memorial Gardens Across Country Will Allow Children Who Have Lost Friends To Keep Memory Alive

Saturday, 3 July 2021 12:39

Irene O'Connor's daughter Béibhinn died following a cardiac arrest at the age of 9 in September last

Her mother has launched a new charity this week to build memorial gardens in parks across the country.

The first "Heart Angel" garden will be built in Carrigaline this year while a second one is expected in the city next year.

Speaking to RedFM News, Irene says parents will be able to explain to their children that the gardens are a place to remember their friends:

"This space is really for friends and family of the children who've gone too soon to grieve. So we noticed with Béibhinn's friends and with her cousins, that it was very difficult for them to visit their friend in a graveyard. And it can be difficult for adults, but for children it's even more difficult. So we don't want a big memorial garden theme. This garden looks beautiful. There is nothing to say - oh, a child has died - or mourning."