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A Poignant Way To Remember Those Lost To Suicide

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At the launch of the Suicide Remembrance outside the old Town Council Buildings were, from left: Joshua , Sharon and David Roche and Frank Carter (Kerry County Council). Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
At the launch of the suicide ‘Remembrance Tree’ outside the old Town Council Buildings were, from left: Joshua, Sharon and David Roche and Frank Hartnett (Kerry County Council). Photo by Gavin O’Connor.

THIS Christmas marks the fourth year where a tree outside the old Tralee Town Council building will be used to remember those who have lost their lives to suicide.

A special service will take place on Sunday, December 14, at 3pm at the building on Princes Street to begin the act of remembrance.

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People affected by suicide are encouraged to come and put something on the tree throughout Christmas.

Sharon Roche is the women behind the ‘Remembrance Tree’. Her son, Sean, took his own life in 2011.

“I just thought Christmas was really hard for all of us as a family. The tree came about because I needed to remember him,” said Sharon Roche.

After the initial service on December 14, people have until January 6 to place their ornaments on the tree. The ‘Remembrance Tree’ project is run in conjunction with Kerry County Council.

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“Unfortunately the stigma is still there surrounding suicide, so this is a lovely way for people to remember their loved one’s lost,” said Sharon.

“Every year it keeps building so hopefully we’ll have a few more ornaments because unfortunately more and more people are being effected. People have come up to me and said it’s a lovely way to remember those lost to suicide because Christmas is a very hard time of year especially when someone you love isn’t there,” said Sharon.