New Memorial Garden for HSE NAS Loughlinstown Ambulance Station

Staff at the HSE NAS Loughlinstown Ambulance Station in Shankill Co. Dublin recently completed a memorial garden in memory of deceased members of the ambulance service who have served in the former Eastern Regional Area which includes the counties Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow.

On an initially rainy Sunday, 4th September, an ecumenical blessing ceremony took place and was officiated by Fr. John O’Connor wonderfully. Shankill parish church, and Rev Fred Appleby, C.O.I. Church Shankill. The sun did not take long to come out and a wonderfully engaging day was had by all. Refreshments and the sound of laughter, nostalgia and talk of times and persons in the past filled the station and open areas by the visitors who attended. This guest list was well populated by relatives of deceased members, retired and serving members of staff, management, families, friends and local residents.

Mrs Barbara Cole, widow of David Cole who worked in Loughlinstown station for many years, was invited to formally open and unveil the memorial garden and granite centrepiece feature.

This initiative was undertaken, sourced and pursued over a long number of months to completion by two paramedics in the station who deserve special mention, Mr Kevin Deithrich and Mr Frank Kennedy. Both gave generously and willingly of their time and effort.

Funding for the development of this worthwhile project was sought on a voluntary basis and came from many sources, namely: the Health Services Staffs Credit Union, Seaview Residents Association, Greenstar, Heatherhouse Hotel (Bray), Mr Connor Cooke, Cabinteely Garden Centre, Shanganagh Memorials, Mr Paul Durkin, Mr Thomas Byrne (D.L.R. County Council), Technical Services St Columcilles Hospital, Ms Sharon Mooney, Ms Fiona Geoghegan and all the staff who contributed so generously. Mr Brian O’Reilly, advanced paramedic Swords Station, NAS Pipe Band, played the bagpipes on the day and the organisers thank him for this efforts and enjoyable music on the day.There is always something special and appropriate about uniformed services and the playing of pipes and drums.

The memorial garden is situated in a secluded area adjacent to the side of the station. The variety of plants, garden lights, assorted paving and seat benches provides a place of tranquillity and reflection for anybody wishing to use it.