CHRISTMAS is a time of joy, but it can be hard for many people who missed loved ones who have passed away over the years.

Nine years ago, Sharon Roche from Tralee decided to hold a short ceremony in December at a special ‘Remembrance Tree’ set up outside Tralee Municipal District/Motor Tax offices on Princes Quay, where people could come and place a decoration in memory of  loved ones lost to suicide.

Sharon was inspired to hold the event after her son Sean died by suicide in 2011 and the tree provides great comfort to people affected by suicide.

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Unfortunately, due to COVID restrictions, the ceremony to launch the tree for the festive season is not open to the public this year and has moved online this coming Sunday at 3pm.

It can be viewed by going to the event page which can be accessed by clicking here.

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 anytime after the ceremony throughout the Christmas period.

When the tree is taken down on January 6, if there are ornaments left, they are put in a box and put back up on the tree the following year.