Louth Volunteer Centre recently called on the support of Louth Community Volunteers, to revamp a special garden space in Oliver Plunkett’s GAA club in Drogheda.
Five Louth Community Volunteers, representing a variety of nationalities, gave their time and effort clearing, digging, planting and painting over several weeks to bring this outdoor space to life, as a tranquil place for people to rest and reflect.
Emma from Migrant Support in Louth Volunteer Centre who led the project recalls “There were laughs and language exchanges, with English, Arabic and Irish sayings being shared in the rain over the weeks.
Three of the Community Volunteers have since moved on. They had been living in the D Hotel accommodation centre, while they were volunteering with us on this project. We are very grateful to them for their sense of community and enthusiasm, and I know they are already making plans to volunteer in Mayo where they were relocated to.”
There were contributions from others in the local community too. Thanks to the kind generosity of Dermot from Woodstyle Furniture on George’s St and the creative skills of the great crew up at Drogheda Men’s Sheds, there are two benches for people to rest, chat and reminisce.
One bench is inscribed with the name of long standing club man, former club Chairman and Honorary President, the late Tomás Ó hEochaidh (pictured below with GAA president John Horan at Opening of new Club Facilities in 2018) who was an absolute pillar of the club and a proud Gaeilgeoir.
Tomás passed away in 2023 and it was he who expressed the wish for this spot to honour deceased and living members of the club, a place for people to have a cup of tea and chat together. The space is aptly named ‘I ndìl Chuimhne’ (In Memory).
Gerry Murtagh, Vice Chairman at Oliver Plunkett’s said “The work carried out by the volunteers was a great help to revitalise the area, that is in memory of all those past members. And serve as a reminder to us of their love and commitments to the Club.”
The project has a strong artistic slant also. The club is liaising with a community muralist, to progress plans for a mural in the space as a final flourish. The local CúChulainn Girl Guides worked towards their Community Action badges by decorating beautiful stones with inspirational and reflective words in English and as Gaeilge for the space.
Jessica Woods, Leader of CúChulainn Girl Guides Drogheda, said, “Our unit was so pleased to be asked to participate in painting rocks for Oliver Plunkett’s GAA’s Memorial Garden. We have used this work towards earning the Community Action badge. This badge encourages units to get involved in and help groups within our community to help make a difference.
“We were delighted to take part and ‘Lend A Hand’ to paint the rocks that will hopefully offer huge comfort and support to those missing loved ones. The Guides gained great insight into what a Memorial Garden is and how important it is to offer safe spaces for people to reflect on their feelings.”
Louth Volunteer Centre brings the County and community together by offering equal opportunities to all sections of the community to participate in meaningful voluntary activity. It connects individuals who wish to volunteer with organisations that need volunteers. It offers a range of other volunteer services, including support and training.
Strong communities have strong social capital, and volunteerism is such an amazing vehicle to foster mutually dependent connectedness between us all.
Are you a charity, voluntary club or organisation in Louth, with a one-off project that Louth Community Volunteers could help with? Or perhaps you wish to volunteer in a way that fits your lifestyle, just from time to time, in which case becoming a Community Volunteer could be just the ticket for you!
To find out more, contact us at our locations below or find us across your favourite social media platforms.
Drogheda 041 9809008 Dundalk 042 9392934 Ardee (by appointment) 086 022 6577
