A new garden created at the heart of University of Limerick will be a ‘permanent memorial’ to departed friends, colleagues, and students, according to President Professor Kerstin Mey.
Professor Mey opened the new UL Memorial Garden on Saturday before 600 invited guests, families, colleagues and friends of deceased staff and students.
“Since May 2022 we have been marking the fiftieth anniversary of University of Limerick. One of the three themes for our jubilee year has been Reflecting, we remember the past as we look to the future. It is especially fitting for us to recall all those members of our staff and students who have died over the last fifty years,” explained Professor Mey.
“The dedicated garden was created to remember all staff and students who are no longer with us, a permanent memorial to our friends, colleagues and students.
“This tranquil space, lovingly created, will serve as a lasting tribute and connection to the students and staff who have gone before us. They have played an integral role in shaping our university’s journey over the past 50 years.
“All who attended the event on Saturday were extremely moved to have their loved ones remembered by such a powerful and symbolic presence at the heart of UL. I would like to acknowledge that the creation of the Memorial Garden is thanks to the persistence of many people over the years since the idea was first mooted more than a decade ago, and my thanks too to all who made Saturday's event such a success,” Professor Mey added.
The site of the Memorial Garden was carefully chosen in a central but quiet part of the university campus. Located close to Plassey House within a beautiful parkland setting, the garden overlooks the River Shannon with views to Silvermine Mountains to the east.
Based on the circle of life and sensitive to its natural surroundings, a simple, unfurling, and ‘flowing’ path acts as a central access to the garden space.
The garden is framed by clipped yew hedges, providing structure and form for the space, as well as providing an element of enclosure. A mixed perennial border planting scheme is used within the garden, incorporating a mixture of flowering plants and grasses, ensuring year-round beauty, as well as being attractive to pollinators.
The garden includes limestone seating and water feature enhancing the contemplative nature of the space. The garden will form a place for remembrance, healing, and new beginnings.
Professor Mey said in her speech at the opening ceremony: “As we stand here, amidst the beauty of nature and this wonderful design, we cannot help but be reminded of the passage of time and the transformative power it holds.
“Looking back, we must remember those who were lost during the pandemic – it may seem like a lifetime ago, but the impact it left would have you feel like it was yesterday.
“This memorial garden stands as a testament to the countless lives touched, the knowledge imparted, and the lasting impact left behind by those who have graced our halls and community.
“This garden and what it represents is a powerful and symbolic presence at the heart of UL. Within these newly formed grounds, we honour not only their contributions to our university, but also the countless memories, friendships, and lessons they shared.”
Acclaimed author and UL Lecturer in Creative Writing, Donal Ryan wrote a piece commemorating the occasion, Every garden is a blessing, which you can watch below.