ONCE again this Christmas, a tree outside the old Tralee Town Council building will be used to remember those who have lost their lives to suicide.

Over the last five years the tree has served as a poignant reminder and a special service will take place on Sunday, December 13, at 3pm at the building on Princes Street to begin the act of remembrance. The tree will be there until January 6.

Those who have lost a loved one or have been affected by suicide are encouraged to come and drop a special ornament on the tree throughout Christmas to act as a symbol of remembrance to those who have passed away.

The woman behind the ‘Remembrance Tree’ is Sharon Roche. Her son, Sean, died by suicide in 2011, she says the feedback from the public about the tree over the last few years has been positive.

“There will be new people coming to the event this year because unfortunately suicide is not going away,” said Sharon Roche.

“The beauty of it is, though is that it’s very emotional. The service is only 20 minutes long, but the tree will be there until January 6. This is ideal for people who would prefer to do it in private, they can come at any time and place their ornament on the tree.”

“The event is open to everyone, It’s open to the whole of Kerry and that’s my aim, it’s not just for the people of Tralee. When the tree is taken down, if there are ornaments left, they are put in a box and put back up on the tree the following year. No one is ever forgotten,” she said.