A CEREMONY to remember all who died during the pandemic was held on Sunday in front of the Ashe Memorial Hall in Tralee.

The ceremony was one of a series of nationwide events over the weekend which remembered those who have died during the pandemic and acknowledge the role of the various individuals and organisations who led the response to COVID-19.

The Kerry ceremony featured music, song, reflections and prayers and was led by the Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Jimmy Moloney.

The gathering was addressed by the principal response agencies, heard prayers from main churches and denominations in Kerry and included the laying of a wreath in remembrance of those who lost their lives. It concluded with a performance by the Siamsa Tíre choir.

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“The grief of those who lost loved ones was compounded by the absence of that most Irish of customs – the sharing of sympathy at funerals. Instead, so many were faced with closed churches, closed funeral homes and closed coffins. Today we stand in solidarity and sympathy with all of them,” said Cathaoirleach of KCC Cllr Jimmy Moloney.

“The toll on so many others remains – be that in terms of physical health or mental health which was so impacted by limitations on normal human activity. Those challenges continue for so many of our citizens.”

“But Kerry came together as Kerry always does. If there is any positive to be taken from these dreadful times, it is the extraordinary community spirit and resilience shown by our people at a time of such adversity. In remarkable ways, the people of Kerry and the community and voluntary groups here today came together to respond, to be proactive and to show support. Today, as Kerry’s first citizen, I say thank you, on behalf of the people of Kerry for all you that you have done and continue to do.”